These products will be phased out by September 1, 2024
Plastic produce bags will be phased out, enabling the market to switch to compostable alternatives, certified to Australian Standards for compostability [AS4736-2006 and AS5810-2010], aligning with and supporting our state’s efforts in recovering food waste from households. A major supermarket chain in South Australia, alongside some smaller supermarket stores, have already transitioned to these compostable produce bags. However, this is not the case for all businesses and the timing of this ban allows them to transition to compostable produce bags, and also for suppliers of the bags to tool up, and for new compostable bag suppliers to enter the market.
Thick supermarket or boutique-style plastic bags. There are alternatives for these and the timing of this ban allows retailers to source alternatives and inform customers.
Expanded polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and clamshell containers were prohibited from sale, supply and distribution in South Australia on 1 March 2022. Other expanded polystyrene (EPS) consumer food and beverage containers in the market (e.g. gelato tubs) will be removed and complete the approach intended for this type of plastic. EPS trays used for meat, fruit and other food items for retail sale will be phased out. Alternatives exist and some major supermarkets are already transitioning to recyclable product trays. EPS is not recyclable through household kerbside collection systems and there are no alternative collection systems available.
Plastic confetti causes preventable damage to the environment and will be phased out in South Australia. The interpretation of what constitutes confetti will be defined in regulations to follow.
Plastic balloon sticks/ties will be phased out.
Plastic bread tags can be replaced with non-plastic alternatives, as has already been introduced by at least one major bread producer.
Single-use plastic beverage containers (including coffee cups) offer convenience for consumers, but these items and their attachments (such as lids and beverage plugs) have limited recovery and recycling pathways, creating confusion for consumers. Some estimates suggest that Australians throw away up to 1 billion coffee cups a year. In order to tackle plastic pollution, business and industry must transition to more sustainable cups, lids and beverage plugs.
Fibre and other compostable, or non-plastic recyclable or reusable alternatives can replace single-use plastic food containers with various alternatives already available and in use.
ALTERNATIVES
.
Follow the link for information on reusable and compostable alternative.