Released 07/06/2019
The current trends on the usage of single use plastic is unsustainable, and we can no longer throw away responsibility for the plastics going into landfill. We want to hear from the community on the best ways we can reduce our use of single use plastics.
Minister for City Services Chris Steel today announced the opening of the community and business feedback surveys and dates for information sessions for the consultation on single-use plastics, providing even more ways for the ACT community and ACT businesses to have their say.
“Recent figures show that over 23,000 tonnes of plastic goes into landfill in the ACT each year. This is quite simply unsustainable. We are going through too much single use plastic and it’s time we reduce our reliance on these products and move to a better alternative,” Minister Steel said.
“Many people across the ACT have already provided some interesting feedback so far, with 298 community members putting forward their views on the best way to manage single use plastics.
“We are taking real action to become Australia’s most sustainable city and we want the community to be part of that. From today we will broaden the way Canberrans can provide us with their view on single use plastics, with the community and business surveys available online. There will also be a range of community feedback sessions that members of the ACT community and from ACT businesses to participate in to have their say.
Some of the products currently being considered for phasing out include:
- plastic straws and stirrers
- plastic cutlery
- disposable plastic plates and cups
- disposable plastic-lined coffee cups and lids
- polystyrene (foam) plastic food containers and beverage cups
- light-weight fruit and vegetable bags
- other non-recyclable plastics.
Other item proposed not to be considered at this time include:
- microbeads (already being phased out)
- plastic beverage containers
- other plastic packaging (e.g. food packaging, consumer goods)
- sanitary items
- nappies and incontinence products
- reusable plastic bags above 35 microns in thickness, including ‘green bags’, ‘biodegradable’ and ‘compostable’ bags
- health related sterile items (e.g. syringes).
Residents who would like to get more involved to attend one of the following free community information sessions:
- Saturday 15 June, 10am-12pm, Canberra Museum and Gallery
- Tuesday 18 June, 6pm-8pm, Hellenic Club of Canberra
Information sessions for businesses are being held on the following dates:
- Wednesday 25 June, 7am-9am, Rydges Capital Hill
- Wednesday 10 July, 7am-9am, East Hotel
- Thursday 11 July, 3:30pm-5:30pm, East Hotel
Visit yoursay.act.gov.au to take the survey or register to attend one of the sessions.
For more information and to read the discussion paper visit yoursay.act.gov.au. Consultation is open until the end of July 2019.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases
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