The phasing out of certain single-use plastic products will soon begin in the ACT.
On 30 March 2021 the ACT Government is expected to pass legislation which will prohibit the sale, supply or distribution of certain single-use plastic products.
From 1 July 2021, the following three items will be prohibited from sale, supply or distribution in the ACT:
- Single-use plastic cutlery (including bioplastic and PLA – polylactic acids)
- Single-use plastic drink stirrers (including bioplastic and PLA – polylactic acids)
- Expanded polystyrene takeaway food and beverage containers.
What this means for ACT businesses
The ACT Government and the National Retail Association are committed to supporting businesses and the community to transition to the requirements.
It is important that businesses are aware and begin to:
- Check your inventory of single-use plastic cutlery and stirrers (including bioplastic products) and expanded polystyrene food and beverage containers.
- STOP ordering these items (be careful with cutlery and stirrers as many products are promoted as ‘green’ but contain bioplastic such as PLA which are on the list of materials to be banned).
- Use up any existing stock before 1 July 2021.
Further information on the ban can be found here.
Have a tricky question?
The National Retail Association has been involved in the development of this legislation, advocating on behalf of retailers. If you have a tricky question on how to deal with upcoming changes in your business, contact the Policy Team on 1800 817 723.