Released 28/06/2021
Important reforms to reduce single-use plastics and improve responsible dog ownership will begin in the ACT from this Thursday 1 July 2021.
At the same time, all Canberrans will become eligible for free bulky waste collection services as this popular service rolls out to all Canberra suburbs.
Single use plastics ban
This week the ACT takes a big step forward in cutting harmful waste when a ban on the sale, supply and distribution of single-use plastic cutlery, single-use plastic stirrers and expanded polystyrene containers takes effect under the Plastics Reduction Act 2021.
“We know from over 700 face-to-face business visits conducted in the past few months that there is strong support from the business community and Canberrans to reduce our plastic use,” Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said.
“It’s now important that every Canberran does what they can to reduce their use or support the switch by embracing alternatives to plastic.”
“The ACT will also be the first jurisdiction able to declare public events as single-use plastic-free.
“This means single-use plastics can be banned at both government and non-government events, including a wider range of plastic items than those prohibited from July 1.
“These events will include major festivals like Floriade, music festivals and sporting matches.”
For more information on the ACT’s ban on selected single-use plastics, visit: www.act.gov.au/single-use-plastics.
Supporting responsible dog ownership
Lost dogs will find their way home more easily with new legislation coming into effect from 1 July requiring all dog owners to update their details annually, at no additional cost.
Dog owners will receive an annual registration reminder notice in the form of an email, text message or letter from Domestic Animal Services. These reminders will be issued to coincide with the date the dog was first registered.
“The updated dog registration system will improve the information we have about dogs in the ACT, ensuring we can contact owners quickly if lost or roaming dogs need to be returned to their families,” Minister Steel said.
“It will also allow the government to deliver better education and services to pet owners and manage dangerous dogs to help prevent and respond to dog attacks.”
For more information on the new annual dog registration process visit: www.cityservices.act.gov.au/dogrego.
Bulky waste collections begin in all Canberra suburbs
Bulky waste collections begin this week for residents in Woden, Weston, Molonglo and Central Canberra, meaning every Canberra household can now take advantage of this great free service. This delivers on our election commitment to bring forward the city-wide roll out of the service by more than two years.
“Since bookings became available to all suburbs nearly a month ago, more than 400 residents have pre-booked for their first bulky waste collection which is available city-wide from 1 July 2021,” Minister Steel said.
“Over 6,000 ACT households have saved themselves a trip to the tip since collections began in July last year with a large amount of those collections being re-purposed as donations to ACT charities.”
To make a free bulky waste booking, visit: www.act.gov.au/bulkywaste.
“Our government is continually looking for ways to make Canberra an even better place to live – with great local services that put our values into action. The commencement of these new initiatives on 1 July will help make our city more sustainable and safer for pet dogs and people alike,” said Minister Steel.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases