Starting 1 September 2024, Mandurah businesses will need to comply with the next phase of the Western Australian Government's Plan for Plastics. This initiative, led by the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), aims to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics, encouraging a transition toward more sustainable practices across the state.
As part of Stage 2 of the WA Plastics Ban, the following items will be prohibited:
- Disposable plastic produce bags used for fresh unpackaged fruit and vegetables.
- Disposable plastic lids for bowl, trays, and containers used for takeaway or eat-in food.
- Disposable plastic lidded bowls, trays, and containers used for takeaway or eat-in food.
These measures build on earlier actions, such as the lightweight plastic bag ban introduced in 2018 and the container deposit scheme launched in 2020. The WA Plan for Plastics was first announced in June 2021, reflecting community demand for a more sustainable and plastic-free future. The plan is designed to phase out problematic plastic items and promote alternatives that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
The success of the WA plastics ban doesn't rely solely on businesses - community members also play a vital role in making this transition effective. When shopping, small changes in behaviour can collectively make a significant impact:
- Bring reusable shopping bags: By using reusable shopping bags, shoppers can reduce the need for single-use plastic bags, which are a major contributor to plastic pollution.
- Purchase loose produce: Opting for loose fruit and vegetables instead of pre-packaged options helps decrease the demand for plastic packaging and supports the ban on disposable plastic produce bags.
- Support plastic-free alternatives: Choosing products that offer non-plastic packaging or reusable containers encourages the market to shift towards more sustainable practices.
By adopting these habits, community members help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfill, waterways, and our natural environment. Every small action contributes to the broader goal of creating a cleaner, healthier Mandurah, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Mandurah businesses are urged to familiarise themselves with the upcoming bans and ensure compliance by the 1 September 2024 deadline. Resources to help businesses transition, including downloadable assets and detailed information on the banned items, are available on the WA Plastics Ban website.
The National Retail Association, in collaboration with the WA Government, is providing support to businesses throughout this transition, This partnership aims to assist businesses in adopting sustainable alternatives while ensuring they remain compliant with the new regulations.
Failure to comply with the ban, including providing false or misleading information about banned items, is an offence. Businesses must ensure they do not supply or provide any banned items after the enforcement date, even if these items were purchased before the ban.
For more information and resources, businesses and community members can visit the following links:
Downloadable assets for businesses
By working together, Mandurah businesses and the local community can play a crucial role in supporting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
