Project Context

The by-law aims to restrict the use of single use plastic takeaway packaging. This is not an expansion on the statewide plastic bag-ban legislation, but a wholesale change aimed at achieving a reduction in usage of and a shift away from single use plastics.

There is considerable public momentum for the reduction in availability of plastic products to reduce environmental impact. The City maintains a significant litter collection network including hundreds of stormwater litter traps and socks. These traps are already extremely effective in preventing marine pollution in general.

Takeaway packaging is a major contributor to the litter stream in Tasmania. Data from the Environmental Protection Authority Tasmania indicates that up to 50% of the litter stream is comprised of paper and plastic takeaway rubbish.

The Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index, which in 2015/2016 primarily focused on suburban areas of Hobart provides some insight into the composition of this litter. That year it found that approximately 16% of the litter items audited were plastic, but only 2.4% were plastic spoons/cutlery, straws, and plastic takeaway container and cups. Keep Australia’s 2016/2017 litter count also found that the amount of litter in Tasmania increased by 6% compared to the previous year.

Compostable packaging is not considered to be a complete solution to litter. Only some of the compostable takeaway packaging currently on the market breaks down quickly in the environment. Solutions to litter lie in effective campaigns that lead to behavioural change which emphasise an overall reduction in packaging distribution and consumption, increased use of reusable packaging and as a final choice, utilising certified compostable packaging.

The City has an exemplary record of showing leadership in the field of waste management and recycling and has set an ambitious overall goal towards zero waste to landfill by 2030 consistent with the City's waste strategy.