Hobart ‘leads the way on cutting single-use plastic waste’

The City of Hobart Council has begun enforcing a by-law prohibiting takeaway food businesses from using single-use plastics.

The city council enacted the by-law in March 2020 but allowed a year’s grace for traders to transition their supplies and for community education and awareness-raising.

Businesses that provide or sell food in single-use plastic packaging in the Hobart local government area, including items such as cutlery, cups, straws and condiment packaging, will all be subject to the by-law.

It will not
apply to coffee cups or containers provided by the customer, or where drinks
and snacks are pre-packaged.

Non-compliance
could see businesses issued with an infringement notice by a council officer.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said that although other states and territories are looking at implementing similar bans, Hobart’s approach is the first and most comprehensive.

“We expect
this by-law will prevent 600 tonnes of single-use plastics going to landfill
every year, equivalent to around 150 trucks full of waste,” she said, adding
that it is “a huge step towards achieving our ambitious goal of zero waste to
landfill by 2030.”

Cr Reynolds said the council will continue to lobby the state government for a statewide ban on single-use plastics.

 “Our city is leading the way nationally in
taking decisive action to reduce plastic waste in response to strong community
concerns,” she said.