Single-use plastics ban a step closer

Published on 30 October 2019

Hobart is a step closer to becoming the first Australian city to introduce a by-law banning single-use plastics at takeaway food retailers.

The City of Hobart’s Single-Use Plastics Draft By-Law has been released for public submissions in a major milestone in the statutory process.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the proposed by-law would significantly reduce plastic litter and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

“Around 9 million single-use plastic items are discarded as litter in Hobart every year,” Cr Reynolds said. “That equates to nearly 37 tonnes of single-use plastic litter that is destined for landfill.

“Replacing these items with compostable versions will drastically reduce the impact of plastic litter on our environment.”

Cr Reynolds said many local businesses had already made the switch to compostable products.

“Salamanca Market has been free of single-use plastic packaging, cutlery and bags for several months,” she said.

“When we surveyed food retailers in the city, we discovered that more than half of the takeaway packaging used in Hobart was compostable, with many businesses proactively moving away from single-use plastics.

“This shift will be further supported through the introduction of the FOGO (food organics and garden organics), which will divert compostable items and food waste from landfill.”

The draft by-law states that a retailer must not provide food packaging that is wholly or partly comprised of plastic and which is a single-use product. A fine of two penalty units ($336) would apply for non-compliance.

The draft by-law is open for public submissions until 25 November.

“The draft by-law was developed with substantial input from the community through previous consultations,” Cr Reynolds said. “That feedback has been incorporated into the final draft, which is now being put to the community one last time.”

To view the draft by-law and supporting documents and to make a formal submission, visit yoursay.hobartcity.com.au.