Have your say on the next plastics to be banned in the Australian Capital Territory.
The ACT Government has requested public feedback on adding further items to the ban on single-use plastics. Public feedback closes on 12 January 2022.
Now is our chance to get the ACT Government to ban thick plastic bags, plastic picnicware, and plastic cups! These plastics are difficult to recycle, commonly found in waterways and are very dangerous for wildlife like turtles and seabirds.
It’s also our chance to demand the ACT Government close the loophole that allows mass balloon releases to endanger wildlife.
Western Australia has banned these plastics – why not the ACT?
Which plastic items is the government proposing to ban?
The ACT Government is proposing to ban the following items:
- Straws
- Fruit & vegetable barrier bags
- Cotton bud sticks
- Oxo-degradable plastics
- Microbeads
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS) products & packaging
- Plastic takeaway containers
This is a good list, but it doesn’t go as far as other states and territories. As one of the first states to ban single-use plastics, the ACT should be a leader, not a laggard.