South Australia becomes the first state to go ‘plastic free’

South Australia is set to become the first state or territory to ban plastic cutlery, straws and drink stirrers.

The Liberal state government are in the process of piloting plastic free precincts as they prepare to draft legislation before the end of the year.

The new laws should be introduced to Parliament in 2020, with single-use plastic cutlery, straws and drink stirrers in the firing line to be phased out ‘immediately’.

After 12 months, the government will hone in on takeaway polystyrene cups and food and beverage containers, as well as all products made of oxo-degradable plastic.  

The government’s final target will be other plastic products including coffee cups and other takeaway food items. 

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs commended his state for leading the way.   

‘SA is continuing to lead the nation and set the agenda in recyclables and waste management,’ Mr Speirs told the Adelaide Advertiser.

‘We led the way with our container-deposit scheme, we were ahead of the pack on plastic bag reform, and now we will lead the country on single-use plastics.’

‘The community has called for swift action on single-use plastic products. Social and corporate action is already under way on some of these items, and there are readily availability alternatives.’ 

Mr Speirs first addressed plans to ban single-use plastics when he launched a discussion paper to gauge the community’s interest in January.  

The Liberal state government are in the process of piloting plastic free precincts as they prepare to draft legislation before the end of the year (stock image)

Of the respondents, almost 97 per cent said government intervention was needed to restrict plastic littering in waterways and the environment.   

South Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young heaped praise on the state government but said more needed to be done across the country.

‘South Australia leading the way on banning single-use plastics!’ she wrote on Twitter.

‘This is great news and now needs to backed up by action in Canberra. 

‘It’s a win for the environment and a win for jobs.

‘I’m writing to Prime Minister urging him to follow SA and clean up plastics across the country.’ 

SA was the first state or territory to ban single-use plastic bags at supermarket checkouts in 2009. 

Mr Speirs first addressed plans to ban single-use plastics when he launched a discussion paper to gauge the community’s interest in January. Of the respondents, almost 97 per cent said government intervention was needed to restrict plastic littering in waterways and the environment (stock image)