South Australia becomes first state to ban single-use plastics but ban delayed until 2021 due to COVID-19

South Australia has become the first Australian state to pass legislation that bans the sale, supply and distribution of single-use plastic products such as straws, cutlery and beverage stirrers. However, due to ongoing COVID-19 impacts, the commencement of the Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Bill 2020  won’t occur until early 2021.

South Australian Environment Minister David Speirs said there has been strong feedback from South Australians keen to see action on single-use plastics noting “there has been significant community and industry support for swift action on single-use plastic products with many households and businesses across the state already taking steps to remove them.

“Our legislation at first bans single-use plastic items like straws, cutlery and beverage stirrers and outlines a framework for adding more items in the future. However, with COVID-19 restrictions still impacting on society and in particular the hospitality industry, we will delay the commencement of the legislation.

“This will give businesses time to bounce back and properly prepare before the ban comes into effect in early 2021. This approach strikes an appropriate balance between the public’s desire for change and the needs of businesses.”

The Australian Marine Conservation Society’s Shane Cucow said the decision cemented South Australia’s place as Australia’s leader in the fight against wildlife-killing plastics.

Cucow noted “SA has long been ahead of the curve on plastics. They were the first State or Territory to introduce a container deposit scheme way back in 1977 and the first to ban plastic bags in 2009.

“These historic new laws will prevent lethal plastic straws and cutlery from entering South Australia’s waterways and oceans, potentially saving the lives of countless seabirds, dolphins and whales.

“We know that mother birds are feeding plastic pieces to their baby chicks, mistaking them for food.

“The sharp pieces of these products can cause serious internal injuries or poisoning if eaten. They can get stuck in airways or cause life-threatening blockages.

“With safe, earth friendly alternatives now available, it’s time to ditch these killer plastics across all of Australia.

“We call on all States and Territories to follow SA’s lead and pass their own laws banning single use plastics. As custodians of the most beautiful and diverse oceans on the planet, together we can be a global leader in the fight against plastic.”

Minister Speirs added “our legislation has been developed with the help of our Single-Use Plastics Taskforce which has representation from 15 different organisations, including people living with a disability.

“Through this taskforce we’ve developed an approach that balances the benefit to the environment with minimising impact for businesses and accommodating the needs of people living with a disability who might find themselves reliant on certain single-use plastics.

Image top courtesy of National Geographic