Plastic bread tags, balloon sticks, microbeads and lollipop sticks are among the items being phased out in NSW, after reforms to cut plastic waste passed.
The changes are part of the NSW Plastics Plan 2.0. They aim to make more products recyclable and keep harmful plastics out of waterways.
More than 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste is sent to NSW landfills each year. With more plastic entering waterways every year, it is predicted that without action there will be more plastic in the sea than fish by 2050.
Plastic is also entering our bodies as microplastics, and the community is increasingly concerned about the amount of single-use plastics in society.
Soy sauce fish containers will need to be recyclable by 2030. Fruit and vegetable stickers will need to transition to compostable by the same year.
The reforms also target takeaway coffee cups. Nearly 800 million single-use cups are used in NSW each year, and most are used for only a matter of minutes before being thrown away.
Coffee cups are not being banned. Instead, the changes will make it easier for people to recycle their cups or use a reusable cup if they choose. From 2028:
Single-use takeaway coffee cups will need to be recyclable.
Cafes will need to offer a mug or glass when customers dine in, instead of a disposable cup.
Cafes will need to accept keep cups for takeaway, when they are clean and hygienic.
Voluntary reusable cup schemes, which let people borrow a keep cup, will also be introduced. These will not be mandatory for small businesses.
From as early as next year, the government will run reuse trials. Government-owned venues, including stadiums and office buildings, will offer drinks and takeaway food in reusable packaging that is designed to be returned, washed and reused. Reuse models are already in action in several places in NSW, including at Barangaroo, at some festivals and in some stadiums.
The legislation also makes immediate changes to some products. Lighter-than-air (helium) balloons are affected, with a ban on their intentional release to help reduce plastic pollution and protect marine wildlife and birds.
The reforms will be introduced gradually following extensive industry consultation. The NSW Government will keep working closely with industry on implementation, with support, education and guidance ahead of the changes coming into effect.
The staged approach recognises the pressures facing small businesses and gives industry time to find practical, affordable ways to comply. The Environment Protection Authority has previously granted extensions to businesses where needed during the introduction of other plastic phase-outs, such as plastic bags and straws.
“The days of unnecessary plastics being handed out, thrown away and left to pollute our environment are coming to an end,” said Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe.
“Our wildlife, our waterways and our health will benefit from these changes.”
To read the NSW Plastics Plan 2.0, visit https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Plastics/plastics-plan-20.
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