Plastics ban Q&A: What you need to know about the single-use plastics ban

A ban on single-use plastics rolls out across SA today. So what does that mean for the plastic soy sauce fish? Or those plastic straws in your party cupboard?

From today, some single-use plastics are being banned in South Australia.

Plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery are banned for sale, supply or distribution in SA, while a wider range of items, including polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and “clamshell” takeaway containers will be banned from March 2022.

But there is still confusion regarding exactly what you can and cannot use, so we have the answers to some of your questions.

I JUST BOUGHT SOME PLASTIC PLATES, CAN I USE THEM?

Yes, you can. The restrictions that have been enacted today do not include polystyrene bowls, cups or plates.

I HAVE LOTS OF STRAWS AND PLASTIC CUTLERY AT HOME, CAN I USE IT?

The best practise will be to put them all straight in the recycling bin, to avoid getting it caught up with food waste in the general bin.

WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THE PLASTIC SOY SAUCE FISH?

For now, they are here to stay. Environment Minister David Speirs today said on radio that until an alternative can be found for the fish, they cannot be banned.

BUT MY CAFE HAS HEAPS OF PLASTIC STRAWS WE STILL HAVEN’T USED?

From today – March 1, 2021 – businesses can no longer provide single-use plastic straws, cutlery and stirrers to customers. In 2022 this will be expanded to include polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and clamshell containers and all products with oxo-degradable plastic. Eventually, all takeaway coffee cups, plastic bags and other takeaway food service items will be scrapped. Legislation banning the sale, supply and distribution of the products was introduced in April 2020 and passed state parliament in September 2020. Non-biodegradable single-use plastic bags have been absent from South Australian supermarket check-outs for the past decade, with consumers charged for reusable bags if they forget to bring their own to the supermarket.

IS THERE A FINE FOR BEING CAUGHT WITH BANNED PLASTICS?

For those caught manufacturing banned single-use plastics, the fine can be up to $20,000. But the government hopes to use an educational approach for those using banned plastics, rather than resorting to fines. However, if necessary, fines are in place.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE LIVING WITH A DISABILITY WHO REQUIRE PLASTIC STRAWS?

Those with a disability or other health issue will be able to access plastic straws at cafes, restaurants and other venues under an exemption in the legislation.

WHAT ABOUT PLASTIC COFFEE CUP LIDS?

Similarly to the soy sauce fish, plastic coffee cup lids will not be banned, for now.

ARE PLASTIC ALTERNATIVES MORE EXPENSIVE?

Ebony Johnson from the National Retailers Association said the sector was supportive of moves to phase out single-use plastic items, but alternatives were often much more expensive for businesses.

“Consumers might see some price increases this year and in coming years,” Ms Johnson said. “Alternatives like bamboo and wood and cardboard are usually about five to 10 times the price (of plastics) for retailers. They do need to pass (the cost) on eventually.”

Any answers we missed? Leave your questions in the comments below