The State (and territories) of plastics bans
The good news is that all state and territory governments have now introduced or plan to introduce bans on many problematic single-use plastics. However, the reality is that the pace of change remains slow - despite the fact that the issue of single-use plastic waste is well recognised; the alternative products and practice are readily available; and Australians have continued to demonstrate significant support for more action.
This year, Western Australia continued its comprehensive policy agenda with South Australia, Queensland and the ACT adding to their policies. For the first time NSW took action, becoming the last state to ban lightweight plastic bags (July 2022) and new bans in November. Victoria followed suit and will implement bans in February 2023. Both Tasmania and the NT have promised to act before 2025.
We recently surveyed our community, asking how important it was to phase out these single use and problematic plastics in Australia and 86% of respondents said they considered it "extremely important". Chair of Clean Up Australia, Pip Kiernan said that the overwhelming majority of rubbish picked up by volunteers over the last 33 years that Clean Up Australia has been taking place is plastics. “We know that community desire for change is enormous and Australians support the phasing out of problematic plastics."
In NSW, single-use plastic items and packaging make up for 60% of all litter in NSW and the government estimates that 2.7 billion items will be stopped from entering landfills and the environment over the next 20 years as a result of the ban.
New research shows consumers are drawn to brands that act on plastics:
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Clean Up Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.