Western Australian Government releases new strategy to reduce single-use plastics

The Western Australian Government has released their plans for a more sustainable future with a new strategy to reduce single-use plastics.

The new policy comes backed by the Western Australian community; more than 98% of those surveyed last year through the State Government's Let's not draw the short straw - reduce single-use plastics issues paper said they supported further action.

Plan for Plastics (PfP)  will be rolled out in two main stages. In the first stage (2020 to 2023), the state will ban plastic plates, cutlery, stirrers, straws, thick plastic bags, polystyrene food containers, and helium balloon releases.

In the second stage (2024-2026), the state will ban single-use plastic barrier/produce bags, microbeads, polystyrene packaging, cotton buds with plastic shafts and oxo-degradable plastics.

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has welcomed the Western Australia Government’s announcement to ban single-use plastics by 2023 – laws critical to stemming the flow of lethal plastic into Australia’s oceans and waterways.

All together, the full list of banned items is the most ambitious in the country, including items such as heavyweight plastic bags, microbeads, and produce bags that have not yet been included in South Australia or Queensland’s bans.

Shane Cucow, plastics spokesperson for the AMCS, encouraged all other states to match WA’s ambition noting “WA’s dolphins, whales and seabirds are soon to have safer seas. In particular, we know that soft plastics like shopping bags and produce bags are some of the most lethal to ocean wildlife, entangling and drowning small creatures or causing life-threatening blockages when eaten.”

Despite celebrating the proposed ban, Cucow said the timeline needed to be accelerated to reflect the urgency of the crisis adding “every day we wait thousands of ocean animals die, killed by the plastic trash filling up our oceans globally.

“With plastic waste increasing rapidly, it has never been more urgent to act. We urge the WA Government to start banning stage one plastics by the end of 2021.”

Separate to the PfP, the Western Australian Government is also consulting on an amendment to the Environmental Protection (Plastic Bags) Regulations 2018 to prohibit the use of plastic election bunting signage at polling places.

PfP builds on the success of the lightweight plastic bag ban and the container deposit scheme, Containers for Change, delivered by the State Government to reduce the use, and increase recovery of plastics.

Plan for Plastics (PfP) was unveiled at Perth Zoo, which is on the frontline of conservation efforts in Western Australia, treating 88 sea turtles over the past five years, many of which required care following the ingestion of plastics.

The Zoo is also home to three Little Penguins; Charlie, Nelson and Gypsy, who presented with injuries consistent with marine rubbish altercations. All three have eye injuries, resulting in no or partial sight. Eye injuries are common when plastics or other marine debris punctures the eye or as a result of microplastic lodgement and irritation to the eye.

Western Australian Environment Minister Stephen Dawson notes “WA's Plan for Plastics is a roadmap towards a more sustainable, plastic-free WA.

"The time to act is now; plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to wildlife around the world and, in 2018-19, only 11% of Australia's plastic waste was recycled with 89% sent to landfill.

"Reducing our dependence on single-use plastics will help reduce our impact on the environment, waste streams and human health.

The announcement puts Western Australia on a path to become a plastic-free leader among other States and Territories across the nation.

WA will join SA, Queensland and the ACT as the only jurisdictions banning single-use plastics beyond plastic bags.

SA passed laws to ban single-use plastics in September, commencing early 2021. Queensland and the ACT have draft laws currently being considered in their parliaments.

Cucow said all States and Territories needed to join WA and increase their ambition “we call on New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory to step up to the plate with single-use plastics bans.

“Our oceans know no borders. Victoria’s plastic problem is SA’s plastic problem too. It’s time for all states to join the national effort and eliminate these killer plastic products.

“With safe, earth friendly alternatives available it’s time to ban single-use plastics across all of Australia.”

The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia (WWF) has updated its plastics scorecard for the country, hailing WA as a plastic-free national leader.

The State Government acknowledges some people require single-use plastic items, such as straws, to maintain their quality of life and that alternatives (or going without) are not appropriate. Before any phase-out the Government will consult and discuss alternative measures closely with all sectors, particularly the disability, aged care and health sectors, to ensure measures are appropriate.

A working group will be established to ensure any regulatory actions to phase-out plastic straws will not negatively impact people requiring straws to meet their life needs. This will include continued supply of certain single‑use plastics to those who need them.

Minister Stephen Dawson added "I am committed to ensuring that the needs of people with disability, those with health conditions and others who rely on certain single-use plastic items are met. We will be consulting with the community to understand these needs.”

Phase-outs will be supported by education and behaviour change programs. Plastic-free precincts trials will be established to support community action to reduce single-use plastics, including food containers.

The Government will also continue to consult widely and seek feedback from industry and experts on other single-use plastics and packaging including pre-packaged fruits and vegetables.

More information about WA's Plan for Plastics can be found at www.dwer.wa.gov.au/single-use-plastic