Queensland launches war on single-use plastics, set to BAN disposable coffee cups and takeaway containers
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As Queensland moves forward with a plastics ban, the widespread release of balloons will become a thing of the past, and disposable coffee cups and takeaway containers may also be on the chopping block.
The Palaszczuk Government has recently revealed a proposed five-year roadmap to phase out harmful single-use plastics, and by September of next year, the Sunshine State is expected to ban plastic microbeads, polystyrene packing peanuts, and cotton buds with plastic stems completely.
A ban on the widespread use of lighter-than-air balloons will also go into effect the following year, according to Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon.
Additionally, new minimum standards for heavy plastic bags will be introduced, requiring them to undergo tests to determine whether they can be reused or recycled after their useful lives have passed.
The roadmap was developed in response to recent survey findings that 91% of Queenslanders supported additional restrictions on single-use plastics and consultation with leading retail and environmental organisations.
Queensland is going to stop cafes from selling disposable coffee cups and lids. Credit: Shutterstock.
In addition to banning a number of single-use plastic food items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, open-topped bowls, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeout containers and cups last year, the Palaszczuk government phased out single-use lightweight shopping bags in 2018.
"Single-use plastics are problematic, and Queenslanders have made it clear that they want to give more of them the punt," Ms Scanlon said as she launched Plastic Free July.
"They don't break down, they fill up our dumpsites, and they kill wildlife."
In a ranking of initiatives to reduce single-use plastics released by WWF Australia on Friday, the Sunshine State edged out South Australia to claim second place.
"This plan will prevent some of the most harmful single-use plastics from entering Queensland's beaches and waterways," said Kate Noble, policy manager for No Plastics in Nature at WWF Australia.
"It will also provide a real opportunity for Queensland to move away from single-use plastics and towards a more sustainable approach where reuse is normal and our use of disposables is drastically reduced."
After outlawing single-use plastic straws, plates, bowls, cutlery, and food containers made of polystyrene last year, Western Australia still holds the top spot on the WWF list.
With more commitments anticipated this year, South Australia is currently in third place, while the ACT, New South Wales, and Victoria are tied for fourth.
Tasmania and the Northern Territory, which are currently in fifth and sixth place, are said to be lagging behind.
Queensland's plastics crackdown will target lighter-than-air balloons like helium. Credit: Ralf Hirsch/Alamy.
The following is a list of items slated for elimination, along with the anticipated date when they will no longer be sold or used in stores:
SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
Credit: Queensland Environment.
The Palaszczuk Government has recently revealed a proposed five-year roadmap to phase out harmful single-use plastics, and by September of next year, the Sunshine State is expected to ban plastic microbeads, polystyrene packing peanuts, and cotton buds with plastic stems completely.
A ban on the widespread use of lighter-than-air balloons will also go into effect the following year, according to Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon.
Additionally, new minimum standards for heavy plastic bags will be introduced, requiring them to undergo tests to determine whether they can be reused or recycled after their useful lives have passed.
The roadmap was developed in response to recent survey findings that 91% of Queenslanders supported additional restrictions on single-use plastics and consultation with leading retail and environmental organisations.
Queensland is going to stop cafes from selling disposable coffee cups and lids. Credit: Shutterstock.
In addition to banning a number of single-use plastic food items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, open-topped bowls, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeout containers and cups last year, the Palaszczuk government phased out single-use lightweight shopping bags in 2018.
"Single-use plastics are problematic, and Queenslanders have made it clear that they want to give more of them the punt," Ms Scanlon said as she launched Plastic Free July.
"They don't break down, they fill up our dumpsites, and they kill wildlife."
In a ranking of initiatives to reduce single-use plastics released by WWF Australia on Friday, the Sunshine State edged out South Australia to claim second place.
"This plan will prevent some of the most harmful single-use plastics from entering Queensland's beaches and waterways," said Kate Noble, policy manager for No Plastics in Nature at WWF Australia.
"It will also provide a real opportunity for Queensland to move away from single-use plastics and towards a more sustainable approach where reuse is normal and our use of disposables is drastically reduced."
After outlawing single-use plastic straws, plates, bowls, cutlery, and food containers made of polystyrene last year, Western Australia still holds the top spot on the WWF list.
With more commitments anticipated this year, South Australia is currently in third place, while the ACT, New South Wales, and Victoria are tied for fourth.
Tasmania and the Northern Territory, which are currently in fifth and sixth place, are said to be lagging behind.
Queensland's plastics crackdown will target lighter-than-air balloons like helium. Credit: Ralf Hirsch/Alamy.
The following is a list of items slated for elimination, along with the anticipated date when they will no longer be sold or used in stores:
SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
- Cotton buds with plastic stems
- Expanded polystyrene loose packaging
- Plastic microbeads in rinseable personal care and cleaning products
- Mass release of lighter-than-air balloons
- Plastic drinking cups
- Oxo-degradable plastics
- Expanded polystyrene trays
- Single-use produce bags
- Balloon sticks, closures, clips
- Bread bag tags
- Bait bags
- Plastic dome lids
- Plastic wrapping on magazines
- Takeaway containers
- Sauce sachets (such as tomato, etc)
Credit: Queensland Environment.
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