The push to end the use of single-use plastics continues with the opening of public consultation on draft regulations and proposed exemptions.

The state government is encouraging the community, businesses and industry groups to have their say on how the reforms will work.

The consultation aims to identify any specific issues not addressed by the regulations and exemptions, and any potential unintended consequences, and will be open until Tuesday 28 February.

Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close says community surveys conducted last year showed the public urgently wants action on single-use plastics.

“South Australians are increasingly uncomfortable with the proliferation of single-use plastic and the effect it has on our environment, including waterways.

These things are often used for just seconds and yet they last a lifetime in our environment.

Many South Australian businesses have already moved away from single-use items and are embracing reusable and compostable items.

We’ve built in lots of lead time for South Australian businesses and there’s a range of new programs to assist businesses transition.

I encourage people to have their say on how best we apply these new bans.”

The bans encourage reusable, recyclable or compostable alternatives.

With all other states also banning single-use plastic products over the next few years, prices for compostable alternatives are expected to keep dropping.

The regulations and exemptions were developed after examining those already in place internationally, and proposed bans coming into effect across Australia and New Zealand.

Green Industries SA will continue to provide free advice for South Australian Businesses on the best alternatives for their products and services.

Visit the SA YourSay website to have a say.

Timetable:

· Banned from 1 September 2023: plastic stemmed cotton buds, plastic pizza savers, single-use plastic plates and bowls.

· Banned from 1 September 2024: plastic bags (produce barrier bags and thicker ‘boutique’ style bags), other expanded polystyrene (EPS) consumer food and beverage containers, plastic balloon sticks, plastic balloon ties, plastic confetti, plastic bread tags, single-use plastic cold cups and plastic lids, single-use plastic coffee cups and plastic lids, plastic beverage plugs and single-use plastic food containers.

· Banned from 1 September 2025: plastic fruit stickers, plastic soy sauce fish and pre-packaged and attached products such as straws attached to drink containers and spoons and forks attached to pre-packaged food).