FURTHER STEPS FORWARD IN SUSTAINABILITY
South Australia has been at the forefront of environmental sustainability initiatives, including efforts to reduce single-use plastics. The city and the state government have recognised the urgent need to address plastic waste and have taken significant steps to implement bans and encourage sustainable practices.
The story so far...
The ban on lightweight plastic bags in South Australia has been particularly effective in changing consumer behavior. It has significantly reduced the number of plastic bags used, resulting in a positive impact on the environment. Consumers are now encouraged to bring their own reusable bags when shopping, or they can purchase reusable bags from retailers.
Furthermore, the South Australian government has collaborated with businesses and community organizations to foster innovation and find sustainable packaging alternatives. By supporting research and development, Adelaide aims to reduce reliance on single-use plastics and encourage the use of environmentally friendly materials.
INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic shopping bags at or below 35 micrometres.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- Compostable bags that meet the Australian Standard AS4736-2006
INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, including PLA bioplastic versions of those items.
INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS) cups, bowls, plates, containers & all oxo-degradable products.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- PLA bioplastic bowls, cups and PLA lined paper cups.
PENALTIES
- Maximum penalty: $20,000. Maximum expiation fee: $1,000. Different fees for different types of penalties. (Source)
INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic stemmed cotton buds
- Single-use plastic bowls and plates
- Plastic pizza servers
INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic produce bags
- Thick supermarket or boutique-style plastic bags
- Single-use plastic beverage containers (including coffee cups)
- Single-use plastic food containers
- (EPS) consumer food and beverage containers (e.g. gelato tubs)
- EPS trays used for meat, fruit and other food items
- Plastic confetti
- Plastic bread tags
INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic fruit stickers
- Plastic soy sauce fish
- Pre-packaged and attached products (i.e. products that contain plastic straws or cutlery)
