Single-use plastics by-law information

In 2020, the Hobart City Council resolved to enact the Single-Use Plastics By-Law. The by-law bans the provision of single-use plastic takeaway food packaging and related items.

The by-law aims to restrict the use of single use plastic takeaway packaging. This is not an expansion on the statewide plastic bag-ban legislation. It is a wholesale change aimed at achieving a reduction in usage of, and a shift away from, single use plastics.

There are a wide range of alternative to single-use plastics. At most festivals and events you go to now the cups you drink from will be totally organic. This is the same for the plates and bowls your food is served on. Alternatives are paper and cardboard based, and plant starch based products. These are readily available and widely used within Hobart already.

The by-law only applies to businesses that provide or sell food in packaging that can be taken from the premises for immediate consumption.

• The by-law requires retailers to replace current single use plastic containers which are smaller than one litre (1L) in volume or an area equivalent to A4 (210 mm by 297 mm) in size.
• All packaging larger than these dimensions is excluded.

Penalties are an essential part of any by-law, however they are a last resort. The penalty unit amount is set by the State Government and increases annually. Two penalty units are applicable for an infringement notice which can be issued by a Council Officer. An eight penalty unit infringement may apply if the matter is prosecuted.

The by-law does not apply to plastic shopping bags or barrier bags.

There is a lot of public support for the reduction in availability of unnecessary plastic products. The aim of this reduction is to reduce environmental impact.

Plastic pollution is one of the most common forms of marine debris, and this affects the waters around Hobart.

The benefits of phasing out single-use plastics include:

• reducing the impacts of discarded plastic packaging on human health and the wider environment
• reducing the volume of plastics being disposed to landfill or ending up as litter
• supporting retailers already supplying compostable takeaway packaging items
• fostering innovation with respect to the development of alternative products made from natural fibres that rapidly decompose in the environment
• educating the community and support them to transition to and adopt the worldwide shift away from plastic takeaway packaging.

Compostable packaging is not considered to be a complete solution to litter. Only some of the compostable takeaway packaging currently on the market breaks down quickly in the environment. Solutions to litter lie in effective campaigns that lead to behavioural change which emphasise:

• an overall reduction in packaging distribution and consumption
• increased use of reusable packaging
• utilising certified compostable packaging.