From March 1, 2021
single-use plastic straws*, stirrers and cutlery including bioplastic
will no longer be supplied in South Australia.
*Exemptions apply
South Australia’s Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020 is the first legislation of its kind in Australia.
It’s a positive step towards avoiding waste and reducing the harm caused to our wildlife, including marine life, through litter and pollution.
South Australians are committed to protecting the environment. We will lead the rest of the country by avoiding and replacing waste with reusable or recyclable alternatives to ensure the best environmental outcome for our ‘clean and green’ state.
This is something we can all get behind and be proud of.
From March 1, 2021
Single-use plastic straws, cutlery and stirrers will be prohibited from sale, supply or distribution in South Australia including bioplastic alternatives. These single-use items can be replaced with reusable and plastic-free compostable alternatives. Exemptions apply for single-use plastic straws.
From March 1, 2022
Expanded polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and clamshell containers will also be prohibited from sale, supply or distribution in South Australia.
Oxo-degradable plastic products will also be prohibited from sale, supply or distribution as well as manufacture or production in the state.
What you need to know

Community
As a community we can all join together to Replace the Waste. Consider whether you need a disposable straw, stirrer or cutlery or whether you can use one back at your home or office when enjoying take away products. Or purchase your own reusable products to bring with you - there are now so many reusable alternatives available.

Disability or Health Needs
Exemptions allow for the sale, supply and distribution of single-use plastic straws for people with a disability or health needs. If you need to use a single-use plastic straw, you will still be able to access these. Further information on exemptions can be found here.

Distributors and Wholesalers
As a wholesaler or distributor, you may have noticed that many South Australian businesses are already avoiding waste and requesting alternatives to single-use plastic products. You may already be stocking and distributing sustainable products in response to demand from customers. Now is the time to Replace the Waste by stocking alternatives such as recyclable, compostable and/or reusable items.

Food and Hospitality
Many South Australian food and hospitality outlets are already reducing waste and making the switch by offering sustainable alternatives to their customers. By reducing the quantity of unnecessary items provided to customers overall, you can reduce waste as well as costs. When these items are required, there are many recyclable, compostable and/or reusable alternative items now available.

Retailers
As a retailer, you may already be encouraging your customers to purchase sustainable and reusable products. Speak to your wholesaler or supplier about the many reusable, certified compostable and recyclable items now available for your South Australian outlets. If you have outlets in other states, consider leading the way by also stocking these alternatives to single-use plastic products interstate.
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