A parliamentary committee in Queensland has given the go-ahead for the proposal to ban disposable plastic straws, plates, and cutlery. This means they are one step closer to passing parliament.

Wait … what? And when?

The Queensland Government is proposing to ban single-use straws and cutlery. The legislation, set to be debated in State Parliament this month, would allow any businesses caught selling plastic straws and cutlery after July 1, 2021 to be fined up to $6,672. Schools and healthcare providers, because of their nature, would be exempt from the ban. However, it is not clear whether the bill will pass this year, with only three parliamentary sitting days before the government goes into caretaker mode before the October 31 state election.

The submissions

Submissions have called for tough measures to combat plastic pollution. Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch previously said that 94 per cent of submissions to the inquiry were in favour of banning single-use plastic items. Many submissions called for more items to be added, including plastic coffee cups, cigarette lighters, takeaway food containers, and heavyweight plastic bags. Some of these items are expected to be outlawed in phase two of the plastic crackdown, as the legislation allows for other products to be banned in the future after public consultation. The parliamentary committee also recommended the government include polystyrene takeaway food containers as part of the first stage of the ban.

The Effect of the Plastic Bag Ban

Our plastic bag ban has had a huge effect on plastic bag litter. Plastic bag litter has dropped 70% since the introduction of the single-use bag ban in 2018. Here's hoping that a ban on more single-use plastic items will have the same drastic effect!   If this ban will affect your business, head on to our product page to see what plastic alternatives we offer.

 Information taken from the Brisbane Times. Read about how composting can achieve a circular economy, and how to keep your packaging competitive, on our blog.

Planet Friendly Packaging acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by COVID-19. Stay safe.