The new regulations are the next phase in South Australia’s push to eliminate the use of environmentally harmful single-use plastics.
Community surveys consistently show the public wants action on single-use plastics.
Exemptions are in place where plastic-stemmed cotton buds and single-use plastic bowls are required for medical, scientific, forensic or law enforcement purposes only.
Plastic pizza savers are difficult to recycle in conventional recycling facilities, and when left inside a cardboard pizza box they impact on the recyclability or compostability of the pizza box.
With all other states also banning single-use plastic products over the next few years, prices for compostable alternatives are expected to continue to drop.
The regulations and exemptions were developed after examining those already in place internationally, and those coming into effect in Australia and New Zealand.
Green Industries SA will continue to provide free advice for South Australian businesses on the best alternatives for their products and services.
Direct assistance for cafés, restaurants and takeaway businesses is available for free through the government funded ‘Plastic Free SA’ program.
Since commencing in 2021, Plastic Free SA has helped 174 South Australian business remove more than eight million single-use plastic items and move to smarter more sustainable alternatives.
For more details: replacethewaste.sa.gov.au
As put by Susan Close
These bans encourage reusable, recyclable or compostable alternatives.
South Australians are increasingly looking at ways to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics which devastate our environment.
The State Government will continue to assist South Australian businesses via various programs to assist them transition.
Many South Australian businesses have already moved away from single-use items and are embracing reusable and compostable items.
As put by Melissa Rayner, Program Coordinator, Plastic Free SA
Through our partnership with the State Government, we’ve helped 51 businesses to go ‘plastic free’ and more than 174 others are on the journey to replace the waste and choose better alternatives.
Our business partners love the fact we can help them choose appropriate alternatives for their business, and getting advice that helps cut through greenwashing claims while getting the most cost effective and environmentally sound alternatives.
As put by Elliott Horner, Evergreen Deli, Venue & Events Manager
Being nestled within Adelaide Botanic Garden, environmental consciousness is our constant companion, as we care for the very place we call home.
When discussions of a plastic ban and the rise of sustainable solutions emerged, our attention was captivated. When the Plastic Free SA initiative took flight, we knew it was time to unite with a like-minded community.
Together, we preserve what nature generously bestows upon us, close to our roots and the ever-changing gardens.
Timetable:
- Banned from 1 September 2023: plastic stemmed cotton buds, plastic pizza savers, single-use plastic plates and bowls.
- Banned from 1 September 2024: plastic bags (produce barrier bags and thicker ’boutique’ style bags), other expanded polystyrene (EPS) consumer food and beverage containers, plastic balloon sticks, plastic balloon ties, plastic confetti, plastic bread tags, single-use plastic cold cups and plastic lids, single-use plastic coffee cups and plastic lids, plastic beverage plugs and single-use plastic food containers.
- Banned from 1 September 2025: plastic fruit stickers, plastic soy sauce fish and pre-packaged and attached products such as straws attached to drink containers and spoons and forks attached to pre-packaged food).
