NSW To Phase Out Single Use Plastics

Did you know that plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century old? However, the production and development of thousands of new plastic products accelerated after World War II.

Plastics have been beneficial to us as they have revolutionized medicine with life-saving devices, made space travel possible, lightened the weight of cars and airplanes (thereby saving fuel and pollution), and saved lives with helmets, incubators, and equipment for clean drinking water. However, despite these advantages, plastics have a dark side. Single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year and 60 per cent of litter in NSW. Many of these products, such as plastic shopping bags, food wrappers and drinking straws have a lifespan of minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

But there is good news following the passing of the Plastics and Circular Economy Act 2021 in NSW Parliament.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said “This legislation is expected to stop 2.7 billion single-use items from ending up in our natural environment and waterways over the next 20 years, and is a game-changer in the fight against plastic waste across our state.”

The Government has established a legislative framework to tackle harmful and problematic plastics through the setting of design standards. The first design standard has been set for microbeads in cosmetic and personal care items, and will ensure microbeads are phased out from 1 November 2022.

The legislation will prohibit the supply of lightweight plastic bags from 1 June 2022. The supply of other items will be prohibited from 1 November 2022, including single-use plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers, cotton buds, plates and bowls, and expanded polystyrene foodservice items.

The NSW Government plans to support businesses to transition to alternative products before the phase outs come into effect. Exceptions will also apply for members of the community who rely on particular single-use plastics for disability or health needs.

For more information on the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 visit https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics

• Topics:

• Environment
• Recycling