The humble takeaway coffee cup will be added to Queensland's banned plastics list as the state government moves to further protect the environment.
A new five-year plan is set to be released today, which will add further to the list of banned plastics. From September 1, 2023, cotton buds with plastic stems, expanded polystyrene loose packaging and trays, plastic microbeads, plastic cups, and oxo-degradable items will be forbidden.
Balloon bait bags, plastic dome lids, magazine wrapping and single-use produce bags are also axed. Mass release of lighter than air balloons is also set to be banned.
Queensland has unveiled plans to expand its single-use plastic ban, which includes the phasing out of disposable coffee cups and the end to the mass release of balloons.
Under a five-year plan the Palaszczuk Government will ban plastic microbeads, polystyrene packing peanuts and plastic-stemmed cotton buds by 2023.
The government has also signalled plans to phase out single-use coffee cups and lids in the next five years, saying it was working on an alternative to minimise the impact on businesses.
The mass release of “lighter-than-air” balloons, a practice common at events such as weddings and parties, will also be banned from next year.
“Single-use plastics are problematic, and Queenslanders have made it clear they want to give more of them the punt,” Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said in a statement.
“It’s great to see so many businesses already taking voluntary measures and going beyond our bans, and it is time to support those voluntary commitments and strengthen our actions in the fight against plastic pollution.
“Our roadmap will phase out other problematic single-use plastics over the next five years, including the aim to phase out disposable coffee cups and lids following work with other states and territories."
Miriah Davis
Digital Reporter
Sky News
July 1, 2022