Western Australia is pressing ahead with a nation-first ban on plastic takeaway coffee cups, warning businesses that deliberately skirt the rules will face fines.
A ban on non-compostable takeaway coffee cups will be enforced from March 2024 after a 12-month transition period.
South Australia has committed to removing the cups from sale in September 2024 but NSW and Victoria are among the jurisdictions yet to commit to a ban.
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Plastic produce bags, takeaway container lids and microbeads are among nine additional items set to be phased out in WA over the coming years.
Transition periods ranging from six months to 28 months will come into effect from February 27, with exemptions to remain for some pre-packaged food such as sandwiches and sushi.
Environment Minister Reece Whitby said the government had consulted extensively and would use a “common-sense, education-first” approach to enforcing the bans.
But retailers and suppliers who deliberately continued to provide banned items could face fines of up to $5000 for individuals and $25,000 for businesses.
“We can be proud our state continues to lead the way in tackling single-use plastics,” Whitby said on Friday.
“Western Australians have truly embraced our plan for plastics, and this is another positive step in reducing our impact on the environment.”
About 180 million single-use coffee cups per year are expected to be removed from circulation as a result of the ban.
Cost to consumers
Whitby said the additional cost for customers associated with the transition was likely to be negligible and many businesses had already made the shift.
The Australian Marine Conservation Society said it was pleased to see WA phasing out more single-use plastics but the bans should be enforced sooner.
“A ban is not a ban if it is not enforced,” campaigner Shane Cucow said.
“By choosing to allow businesses to continue purchasing new stock without penalty, there is no incentive for businesses to switch to earth-safe alternatives.
“Saying the ban has commenced but not enforcing it is confusing for customers and businesses alike. Consumers are justifiably frustrated by these mixed messages.”
WA last year became the first state or territory to ban thick plastic bags and unlidded containers.
The use of plastic plates, bowls, cutlery, drink stirrers and drinking straws is also prohibited.
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