The NSW Government is set to introduce legislation which will see plastics like single-use lightweight bags, cotton-buds, straws and stirrers will be phased out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said once passed by Parliament, the NSW Government\u2019s comprehensive $356 million plastics plan and waste strategy would be implemented over five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis approach to reducing waste, promoting recycling and protecting businesses is nation-leading,\u201d Mr Crouch said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
According to Mr Crouch, businesses will be supported to transition to new products before the phase-outs come into effect, and exemptions will be available for members of the community who rely on particular single-use plastics for disability or health needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plastic products and their timelines to be phased out once the bill passes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Lightweight Plastic Shopping Bags (<35 microns) \u2013 6 months<\/li>
- Plastic Straws \u2013 12 months<\/li>
- Plastic Cutlery \u2013 12 months<\/li>
- Expanded polystyrene cups and serving ware \u2013 12 months<\/li>
- Cotton buds with plastics sticks \u2013 12 months<\/li>
- Microbeads in rinse-off personal care and cosmetic products \u2013 12 months<\/li>
- Heavyweight bags \u2013 Review in 3 years<\/li>
- Barrier\/ produce bags \u2013 Review in 3 years<\/li>
- Plastic cups, including lids \u2013 Review in 3 years<\/li>
- Plastic bowls (including lids) and plates \u2013 Review in 3 years<\/li>
- Fruit stickers (non-compostable) \u2013 Review in 3 years<\/li>
- Oxo-degradable plastics \u2013 Review in 3 years<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Environment Minister Matt Kean said we must reduce the plastics ending up in the environment because we are on track to see more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe single-use items we are phasing-out will stop an estimated 2.7 billion items of plastic litter from ending up in our environment and waterways over the next 20 years,\u201d Mr Kean said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t keep sending our scraps to languish in landfill when there are huge opportunities to turn our trash into treasure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnder our plans, every household will have access to a separate bin for their food and organic waste for the first time in NSW,\u201d Mr Kean said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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