Non-compostable coffee cups will be banned throughout Western Australia in the State’s latest step away from single-use plastics and lids.
The bans – part of the second stage of WA’s Plan for Plastics – will be implemented with an education-first approach to enforcement, with the State Government to work with retailers and consumers to ensure the community can support the changes, said Environment Minister, Reece Whitby.
“I’m pleased to see this vital regional project come to life, creating jobs and enhancing our economic development,” said Minister Whitby.
“This ban complements the bans on cotton buds with plastics shafts, degradable plastic and microbeads that have already been implemented in Western Australia.
“The State Government will continue to work with retailers and the community to ensure that the changes are well understood and implemented successfully.”
He said the state’s Plan for Plastics has already led to 430 million fewer single-use plastics going to landfill or litter annually.
It is expected the plan’s second stage will save an additional 700 million single-use items annually, with hot beverage cups accounting for more than 154 million of these items per annum.
Compostable paperboard cups, certified to Australian composting standards, are excluded from the ban, while lids must be entirely plastic free.
The Minister said the Boomerang Alliance and National Retail Association, in partnership with the State Government, will help businesses adapt to these bans through the WA Plastic Free Places program, with targeted retail and supplier support to also be made available.
