There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

 

[Wendybt]

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

I definitely agree with this move. Manufacturers need to find environmentally-friendly ways to package food and produce items currently made from plastic.

I congratulate the NSW government for recognising the urgency of the plight of our environment and the need to act now, not gradually or sometime in the future if we are going to save our planet.

Governments will not be able to afford to sustain financial aid and support the continual rescue and re-building of so many communities affected by floods and bushfires of increasing intensity and severity as a result of Global Warming.
The toll on people, but also our precious wildlife and flora has been horrific and
every one of us, not just governments, need to do our bit to start reversing the damage we have done to our environment and protect our beautiful country for future generations to thrive and enjoy.

I sincerely hope the other state governments take note and follow suit with this pro-active attitude.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Cardboard boxes were used before the big brown paper bags. Shop owners were happy for customers to use their empty boxes, which fitted well into the car and were easy to carry.

I remember also using boxes that was before the plastic bags came in.
You have to pay for boxes now. Bunnings sell them for $8 I was shocked

 

[Ezzy]

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

I believe people are their own worst enemy. Disposed of correctly those plastic items should not end up in our waterways & the like.

The fines do seem a bit steep for individuals. l recall that similar amounts were set in W.A. for both individuals & companies several years for negligence in Industrial accident cases. I wonder how the NSW Govt came up with these figures?

A fine perhaps, just as there is for littering, including any dropped from a vehicle, but a fine that befits the crime.

 

[Ezzy]

I think it’s a bit confusing because there are some plastics that can be recycled how do we know are and which are not ? Some bottled drinks have a logo on that means they can be recycled but they are hard to see. We use so much that is plastic maybe we should remove some of it slowly until an alternative can be made? For instance how will we freeze food without plastic bags or containers ? Baby’s nappies ? Bin liners and all the products we buy tubes, bottles, jars? We can buy certain washing licquid in recycled bottles now maybe they should make a law to manufacture more of this sort before banning all plastic.

In my day of course we had cloth nappies which were soaked prior to washing & the water was tipped onto the garden. I once used the w.c. in a country town & couldn't help but notice a very badly soiled disposable nappy sitting on top of the used paper towels. Not exactly disposed of thoughtfully. These of course can be seen anywhere at the roadside.

 

[Thecla]

OHH BOY

 

[Lizzy]

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

I think it is more ironic when you see ads like woolies etc. saying " we have eliminated single use plastic bags completely. It saved them a lot of money supplying them. Now there are so many people who do not bring their own bags but buy the heavier plastic bags. Good sales pitched, also the sale of bin bags has gone through the roof. Good move by the sellers.

 

[BabsL]

I think the ban on single use plastic items is a great idea, but I do wonder what they will be replaced with - if it is wooden products, how many more trees will we lose in that process, wooden stirrers, paper bags, cardboard cups, etc. Food for thought.

Bamboo is the product they will use. It grows like, well, “bamboo”!

 

[Zoeshipscat]

All I can say is: It's about time. The ban should be world wide, not just NSW. When I was growing up we used paper bags or string bags. There was little or no plastic.

I use my "ecosilk" bags when shopping - I've had the set for years and it takes up very little space in my shoulder bag. I do remember those big double paper supermarket bags though - I remember just stepping out of the bus about a block from my house in the pouring rain when the bottom fell out of the paper bag full of shopping.

 

[Robbo3006]

So we're already following WEF 500 units fines, this world is a joke and a disgrace, why not just say the value of the fine, no, they have to allocate the naughty units to your credit score, sneaking new terminology into society to prepare us for a shite future under NWO international government, Schwab and all his cronies should be hanged for treason. I'm glad to be old but I worry about My children and Grandchildren under these tyrants.

 

[Ezzy]

I use my "ecosilk" bags when shopping - I've had the set for years and it takes up very little space in my shoulder bag. I do remember those big double paper supermarket bags though - I remember just stepping out of the bus about a block from my house in the pouring rain when the bottom fell out of the paper bag full of shopping.

Yes. I once worked in a Woolworths Supermarket the day they opened a new store. Every available person was packing groceries for the shoppers. Too big then, & wouldn't be any good now.

When l was about 12 y.o. l worked in a grocery store putting loose unwashed potatoes into these big bags to be weighed for sale. Even dry with a bit of weight they'd tear easily, & with these the top had to be turned down after weighing.

 

[Defiant540]

There has to be a balance somewhere.
There is a need for a certain amount of plastic bags, to line our inside bins etc.
Our fruit and vegetables were always purchased from the greengrocers, (pre supermarket days), everything went into brown paper bags. The greengrocers were expert at twirling the bags closed, and you carried the brown paper bags home by the little ears on the corners of the bags created when the greengrocer twirled the bags. None of that today!
We are still able to purchase plastic bags of different sizes in the supermarkets.

plastic bin liners need to be biodegradable!

 

[Aussiecatwoman]

There’s no denying that plastic pollution is a major problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it harms marine life and pollutes the water. It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

The banning of single-use plastic has been a topic of debate among legislators for years. Some argue that it’s a necessary step to reduce pollution, while others claim that it would be too disruptive to businesses and consumers.

In a recent law enacted by the NSW government, residents may soon face significant fines of up to $11,000 for distributing or transporting single-use plastic products.

According to the NSW government, the phase-out, which will see the scrapping of everyday plastic items from stores and households starting on November 1, will prevent roughly 2.7 billion pieces of litter from entering the state's waterways and environment over the next 20 years.

The new list of vetoed items as per the government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act, passed in November last year, extends to plastics considered biodegradable or compostable.

The NSW government imposed a ban on single-use plastics in November last year. Credit: news.com.au.​

The following items are banned from NSW:

• Single-use plastic straws
• Coffee stirrers
• Cutlery
• Plates
• Bowls
• Cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene food service items
• Plastic microbead-containing rinse-off personal care products, such as some face cleansers, shampoos, and toothpaste.

Individuals who supply, sell, or distribute any of the prohibited commodities face a maximum court fine of 100 units ($11,000), while businesses that do so face a maximum fine of 500 units ($55,000).

If a manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distribution company is discovered distributing plastic items included in the list, the penalties are doubled. Individuals may be fined $22,000 and groups up to $110,000.

A Stop Notice will also be given to those who are discovered to be supplying prohibited materials. $55,000 per person or $275,000 per business may be fined for disregarding the stop notice.

If you are using medical supplies that are made of single-use plastics, don't fret. People with a disability or who have a medical necessity for such items are given special consideration.

Businesses that still sell prohibited plastic products could risk a $275,000 penalty. Credit: news.com.au.​

Additionally, some items are exempted from the ban:

• Serving utensils e.g. salad servers or tongs
• Food and beverage packaging seals
• Items included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

The most recent restriction comes after the NSW government removed all lightweight plastic bags from the entire state in June of this year.

NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said: 'Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.'

'Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.'

The environment is important. It's our life support system. It provides the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's also the foundation of our economy and our way of life.

That's why it's so important that we have laws that protect the environment. These laws help us prevent pollution, conserve our natural resources, and safeguard our health.

Do you think other governments should follow suit with the NSW government's latest move? Better yet, what do you think about the total ban on single-use plastic? Share your insights with us in the comments below!

This needs to be a Nation-wide initiative. Many of us already buy wooden-stick cotton buds and try to be environmentally friendly. In the good old days before plastic bags, everything was wrapped in newspaper before it went in the bin but not many people buy papers anymore so things might start getting a bit more smelly around the house.
I wonder what people will put their baby nappies and dog poo in if there is to be a total ban.