Plastic ban in effect, but problems persist

MANSFIELD residents can no longer buy single–use plastics following the state government's ban on the items coming into effect last week. Drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, cotton bud sticks, polystyrene food service items and drink containers are all included in the ban, which applies to conventional, degradable and compostable plastics. The ban was announced by the state government two years ago and comes four years after the ban of plastic shopping bags. Microbeads, heavyweight plastic bags, fruit and vegetable bags, plastic cups and lids, coffee cups containing plastic, plastic takeaway containers and helium balloons are yet to be included in the ban and can still be used. Environmentalists are calling for the banning of more plastics, as has been done in other states such as Queensland. Those who require single–use plastic drinking straws due to disability or medical needs can still purchase and use these items. Monash University Associate Professor Ruth Lane said, ""This ban has been a long time coming. "Our research with householders trying to reduce their waste found that plastic packaging is one of their biggest challenges. "It has to be assisted by regulating the practice of retailers to prompt different approaches." The state government has implemented a program aimed at assisting businesses and organisations to understand and prepare for the ban. Over 6500 retail and hospitality businesses across Victoria have been directly engaged through face–to–face visits by engagement officers. Olivia Gane from Mansfield Hospitality Supplies said they are supporting businesses and health departments to transition after the single–use plastic ban came into effect last Wednesday. "There has been some mixed messages in the official proposal leading up to the ban, but that has been clarified by the National Retailers Association," said Ms Gane. "Unfortunately we are left with product that will most likely end up in landfill unused. "We have been moving over to paper, sugarcane, wood and bamboo alternatives for quite some time and have plenty of choices in stock to cater for customer requirements." Australia has a plastic problem, according to research by the Minderoo Foundation, as Australian–based philanthropic organisation whose causes range from eliminating childhood cancer to driving accountability in plastic pollution. Their research says that although China produces the most single–use plastic, the average person in the country only generates around 18 kilograms of single–use plastic waste per year – slightly above the 15 kilogram global average. Meanwhile, the average Aussie is pumping out around 60 kilograms of single–use plastic waste per year – on a percentage basis, that's more than any other country in the world, even more than the USA. The ban follows the "temporary pause" of Redcycle's soft plastics recycling scheme late last year. Soft plastics are any plastics which can be easily scrunched: plastic food wrappers, plastic bags, freezer bags, bread bags, cling wrap and bubble wrap. RedCycle, whose recycling bins are commonly seen outside Woolworths and Coles stores, said they had too much plastic to handle and suggested that people cut back on unnecessary plastic and store soft plastic at home if possible. Following the program pause, thousands of tonnes of soft plastic were discovered in six warehouses across Victoria late last year, with the EPA investigating the paused scheme due to environmental concerns. Businesses can be fined up to $1849 if caught supplying banned single–use plastics in Victoria, while individuals face a penalty of $370.