Western Australia is pressing ahead with a nation-first ban on plastic takeaway espresso cups, warning companies that intentionally skirt the principles will face fines.
A ban on non-compostable takeaway espresso cups will likely be enforced from March 2024 after a 12-month transition interval.
South Australia has dedicated to eradicating the cups from sale in September 2024 however NSW and Victoria are among the many jurisdictions but to decide to a ban.
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Plastic produce baggage, takeaway container lids and microbeads are amongst 9 further gadgets set to be phased out in WA over the approaching years.
Transition durations starting from six months to 28 months will come into impact from February 27, with exemptions to stay for some pre-packaged meals reminiscent of sandwiches and sushi.
Surroundings Minister Reece Whitby mentioned the federal government had consulted extensively and would use a “common sense, education-first” method to imposing the bans.
However retailers and suppliers who intentionally continued to offer banned gadgets might face fines of as much as $5000 for people and $25,000 for companies.
“We will be proud our state continues to prepared the ground in tackling single-use plastics,” Whitby mentioned on Friday.
“Western Australians have really embraced our plan for plastics, and that is one other optimistic step in decreasing our impression on the setting.”
About 180 million single-use espresso cups per yr are anticipated to be faraway from circulation on account of the ban.
Value to shoppers
Whitby mentioned the extra value for patrons related to the transition was more likely to be negligible and lots of companies had already made the shift.
The Australian Marine Conservation Society mentioned it was happy to see WA phasing out extra single-use plastics however the bans ought to be enforced sooner.
“A ban is just not a ban if it’s not enforced,” campaigner Shane Cucow mentioned.
“By selecting to permit companies to proceed buying new inventory with out penalty, there isn’t any incentive for companies to modify to earth-safe options.
“Saying the ban has commenced however not imposing it’s complicated for patrons and companies alike. Customers are justifiably pissed off by these blended messages.”
WA final yr turned the primary state or territory to ban thick plastic baggage and unlidded containers.
The usage of plastic plates, bowls, cutlery, drink stirrers and ingesting straws can also be prohibited.
