South Australians retailers should be aware that Stage 2 of the Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020 will come into effect on March 1, 2022.
What this means for you
From March 1, 2022, expanded polystyrene cups, bowls, plates, clamshell containers and all oxo-degradable plastic products will be prohibited from sale, supply and distribution. Oxo-degradable products are also prohibited from production and manufacture in South Australia.
Many of the prohibited items can be replaced with reusable or compostable alternatives and everyone is encouraged to opt for reusable, recyclable or compostable products where alternatives exist.
Learn more about Prohibited Items
Learn more about Alternative Items
Expanded polystyrene products
Alternatives to expanded polystyrene products are available now through foodware distributors. Visit www.ReplaceTheWaste.sa.gov.au/alternatives for examples of alternative products.
Oxo-degradable plastic products
Oxo-degradable plastic products contain additives enabling the plastic to break down into tiny fragments or microplastics, which do not completely decompose.
This type of plastic can sometimes be found in items such as:
- Supermarket produce bags
- Plastic shopping bags
- Magazine wraps
- Dry cleaning bags
- Kitchen products
- Bin liners
- Garbage bags
- Piping bags
- Pet products
- Dog poo bags
- Litter tray liners
- Packing
- Bubble wrap
- Sticking tape
- Padded envelopes
It will be an offence to sell, supply, distribute, produce or manufacture oxo-degradable plastic products in South Australia from March 1, 2022.
Talk to your suppliers about whether any products you stock are made from or comprise oxo-degradable plastic and order alternatives now so that you can be prepared.
What you need to do
Now is the time to prepare for March 1, 2022, by reviewing any planned orders of expanded polystyrene or oxo-degradable plastic items. Old stock cannot be used up after March 1 2022 and fines may be issued from that date. Speak to your suppliers now about ordering alternatives, and start to educate your staff and inform your customers.
Support and Advice
- Call the NRA Single-Use Plastics hotline at 1800 844 946.
- Email the South Australian Government for single-use plastics advice: sup@sa.gov.au
- Visit www.ReplaceTheWaste.sa.gov.au for suggested alternatives, supplier lists, support materials and more information.
Visit the Replace the Waste website
Need help?
The National Retail Association Policy Team continue to be active members of the SA Government’s Single-Use Plastics Taskforce, as well as taskforces in other jurisdictions.
For more information and resources visit the South Australian Government Replace the Waste website or contact the NRA Replace the Waste hotline on 1800 844 946.
NRA advocacy
The National Retail Association supports the intent of the Bill but we have raised our strong concerns regarding the definition of single-use, exemptions which may increase issues for those with a disability, exclusion of compostable alternatives and timing considerations, especially given the pandemic. See our recent submission.