SA passes legislation to ban single-use plastics
The Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Bill 2020 passed Parliament on September 9, 2020. This legislation prohibits the sale, supply and distribution of certain single-use plastic products and establishes a framework for adding other products in the future. The legislation implements the government’s July 2019 announcement to address the impacts of single-use plastic products. You can read the legislation here.
Exemptions
Importantly, there is a provision to implement an exemption that will allow for the sale, supply and distribution of single-use plastic straws to those in the community who rely on them due to disability or medical need. This exemption will be implemented via regulations which are currently being finalised.