Released 03/07/2023
Additional single-use plastic items have been banned in the ACT from 1 July 2023 as businesses and communities embrace another shift away from plastics.
“The Canberra community and businesses have strongly embraced the phase-out of single-use plastics so far, and are ready to take the next steps,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.
“The next phase of our single-use plastics ban came into effect on 1 July banning the sale, supply and distribution of single-use plastic plates and bowls, expanded polystyrene loose fill packaging and expanded polystyrene trays and plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care and cleaning products.
“In a further step to progress lasting change, the ACT Government will also ban all heavyweight plastic and boutique shopping bags greater than 35 microns thick from 1 January 2024.
“The response from large retailers like Woolworths has been vital in shifting away from single-use plastic and influencing suppliers to use more sustainable materials, which reduces waste going to landfill or littered in our environment.”
On behalf of the ACT Government, the National Retail Association (NRA) is providing an education-first approach and visiting 1600 retailers by 31 December 2023, providing information and resources to help them with the transition.
This industry engagement is largely focused on suppliers and small to medium or independent retailers, as well as culturally and linguistically diverse retailers, representing a significant proportion of businesses impacted by the ban.
A 12-month single-use plastic hotline (1800 844 946) is available during business hours from 9.00am to 5.00pm to provide telephone advice to support businesses and other organisations that comply with the legislative requirements.
The ACT Government is also working to finalise Canberra’s first Circular Economy Strategy, which will guide future decisions on how we better cut waste, and strengthen businesses to promote sustainable practices and jobs.
For more information on the ACT’s ban on selected single-use plastics, and for a range of resources to help make the switch, visit: www.act.gov.au/single-use-plastics.
Quotes attributable to David Stout of Director of Policy at the National Retail Association (NRA):
The NRA Director of Policy David Stout said that the NRA looks forward to working with the ACT Government to help with retailer engagement and education on the ban.
We commend Minister Steel and his team for their continued commitment to working with industry, community and the public to deliver environmental outcomes,” said Mr Stout.
“Retailers are eager to comply, and we will continue to work with the government to seek clarity for businesses.”
“We are visiting 1600 retailers across retail shopping centres, malls and strips across the ACT, by 31 December to ongoing education and support will continue to ensure businesses and consumers understand what’s banned and what’s not.
Quotes attributable to Matthew Spiteri of General Manager for ACT at Woolworths:
“Customers are looking to us to help make their regular shop better for the environment.
“At Woolworths, we’ve come a long way over the last five years, removing single-use plastic shopping bags, straws, cutlery, bowls, plates - and most recently - our thicker reusable 15-cent plastic bags.
“Our ACT customers have responded really well, and the ACT Government’s leadership will help smaller businesses to make these positive changes for the benefit of our communities and the planet.”
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases