Yesterday morning the ACT Government announced the passage of their Tranche 2 single-use plastic ban regulations under the Plastic Reduction Act 2021.
The National Retail Association is an active member of the ACT Plastic Reduction Working Group and has raised concerns with regulations being passed with only 6 weeks until commencement. However, the NRA commends that the regulations align with existing bans and that the ACT Government has confirmed that businesses will be allowed adequate time to transition and support to comply.
NRA INFO SESSION: Wednesday 25 May 12 pm AEST – Register here >
Banned 1 July 2022
From 1 July 2022, the following items are prohibited from sale, supply or distribution in the ACT:
- single-use plastic straws (including bioplastic alternatives)*
- cotton buds with plastic sticks
- all oxo-degradable plastics.
*An exemption allows people who need them to access plastic straws.
Barrier bags were raised during the consultation earlier in the year, however these have not been included in the Tranche 2 ban, but may be considered in the future.
Reminder
Single-use plastics items already banned in the ACT:
- single-use plastic cutlery and drink stirrers (including bioplastic alternatives)
- expanded polystyrene takeaway food and beverage containers
- lightweight plastic shopping bags (less than 35 microns in thickness).
Support for businesses
The ACT Government has prepared a range of factsheets and posters, and has engaged the National Retail Association to educate and engage businesses via store visits, online sessions and our specialist plastic ban hotline. The NRA will be visiting 800 stores across the ACT commencing next week.
The NRA will be holding free online information sessions for businesses to provide an overview of the ban and answer questions.
NRA INFO SESSION: Wednesday 25 May 12 pm AEST – Register here >
We encourage suppliers and peak bodies to distribute materials and promote these free sessions to your network, or to contact the NRA if you need a dedicated session.
Enforcement
The ACT Government is committed to supporting businesses and community organisations to adapt to these changes, and will pursue an education-first approach to compliance.
More information: Visit the ACT Government’s website
Businesses can also contact the NRA via email (sustainability@nra.net.au) or hotline (1800 844 946).
Need help on single-use plastic bans?
The NRA Policy team are theNRA is a member of the ACT Plastic Reduction Working Group and raised concerns about regulations passed with only 6 weeks to go. Visit our site for more info. leading experts on plastics bans across Australia, and can answer your curly questions on current and proposed bans in QLD, NSW, WA, SA, VIC and ACT.
Every day, our team are visiting hundreds of retailers in their stores across 4 states, as well as providing materials, websites, online sessions, hotline and email contact channels.
We understand that while retailers are highly supportive of phasing out single-use plastics, businesses face significant challenges understanding different rules in each jurisdiction, as well as experiencing ongoing supply chain and pandemic-related pressures.
Attend one of our sessions this Wednesday, or contact us at sustainability@nra.net.au for more information.
