The ban is the first of its kind in Australia and follows groundbreaking laws passed by Parliament last year.
Environment and Water Secretary David Speirs, who visited Bond and Lane Canteen in Colonel Light Gardens today, said March 1, 2021 will forever be a proud day for South Australia.
“South Australia is once again leading the way on environmental issues with the historic Marshall Liberal Government banning single-use plastics,” said Minister Speirs.
“We are the first state in the country to take these measures. Starting tomorrow, the sale, delivery and distribution of plastic drinking straws, cutlery and stirrers will be banned in South Australia.
“As a pioneer at the national level, we have already started companies producing reusable and compostable alternatives in South Australia. This means that our one-way plastic ban has significant economic benefits and local jobs are good for the environment.
“The Liberal government of Marshall is ambitious about this legislation and will not stop at just straws, cutlery and stirrers with expanded Styrofoam cups, bowls, plates and clamshell containers and oxo-degradable plastic products that are slated to be banned in a year.
“We will continue to consider more products such as take-away coffee mugs, plastic bags and other take-away foods as market demand increases and other sustainable alternatives become available.
“We protect our environment for future generations, reduce marine and other litter and promote the circular economy by turning away from one-way thinking.
“Our legislation was developed with the help of our single-use plastics task force, which has 15 different organizations, including people with disabilities.
“This consultation enabled us to develop an exemption so that people who need them because of a disability or a health need can access single-use plastic drinking straws.”
The Elder Carolyn Power member said the Marshall Liberal Government’s single-use plastic ban was very popular with its constituents.
“It is fantastic to be in one of Adelaide’s most historic suburbs, Colonel Light Gardens, to celebrate one of South Australia’s most historic days,” said Ms. Power.
“It is clear that the South Australian community wants to consume less single-use plastics and I am proud to be part of a government that is leading the nation into action to reduce their consumption.”
The legislation does not prevent members of the community from bringing their own straws to cafes, and any company can supply individual, single-use plastic drinking straws upon request due to disabilities or medical needs.
Mandatory companies, including pharmacies, local government agencies, charities, and medical, dental, and care facilities, can sell and supply straws for these purposes.
Bioplastics such as PLA (polylactic acid), which can be labeled as compostable, are also banned as they can only be composted under strict industrial conditions.
More information is available at www.replacethewaste.sa.gov.au
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