On Friday, new laws that forbid single-use plastics like microbeads and polystyrene packing peanuts will go into force in some parts of the nation.
There will be bans in Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia, but the restrictions they impose will differ.
Australia has no national laws or regulations governing plastic restrictions, thus each state and territory sets its own requirements.
Additionally, it indicates that different countries have quite different laws and norms regarding single-use plastics.
While other jurisdictions, like Tasmania, have taken very little action, some, like Western Australia, have enforced many tranches of restrictions.
The state of Queensland will outlaw heavy-duty plastic shopping bags as well as packing peanuts and microbeads. Additionally, it will make it illegal to release balloons in bulk, leaving only the ACT and NSW with this privilege.
Plastic pizza savers and single-use bowls and plates will be prohibited in South Australia.
Every state provides exemptions for specific enterprises, such as dental offices and medical clinics.
According to Mr. Cucow, the three states are leading the charge to outlaw plastics.
While South Australia is rapidly coming up, he noted that Western Australia is currently doing the most.
“Queensland is now catching up as well, and they have their own roadmap to add further plastics in the future.”
Australia, according to Mr. Cucow, need a national strategy and “mandatory plastics framework”.
“That should include things like mandatory targets for reducing the amount of plastics that we’re using, but also making sure that those things are actually recyclable at the end of their life,” he said.
The fact that there are distinct rules in every state and territory is confusing and challenging for business.
But we also need to unite as a nation to develop a comprehensive plan to eliminate the plastic waste that is endangering the species in our oceans.
According to the Australian Department of Environment, global plastic production is expected to treble by 2040.
Furthermore, it is predicted that by 2050, fish would be outnumbered by plastic in the waters.
