Queensland is set to be the first state in Australia to ban disposable coffee cups. We’re expected to receive more information today but Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon has said coffee cups will be on the list of disposable products soon-to-be replaced with sustainable alternatives.
‘Single-use plastics are problematic, and Queenslanders have made it clear they want to give more of them the punt,’ Ms Scanlon said. ‘They don’t break down. They fill up our dumps and they kill wildlife.’
According to the minister the Government will work closely with businesses to find a suitable alternative to the single-use cups every café, bar and restaurant in the country currently use. The list below is what will be phased out and the date they’re excepted to be banned (via Daily Mail Australia).
SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
– Cotton buds with plastic stems
– Expanded polystyrene loose packaging
– Plastic microbeads in rinseable personal care and cleaning products
– Mass release of lighter-than-air balloons
SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
– Plastic drinking cups
– Oxo-degradable plastics
– Expanded polystyrene trays
– Single-use produce bags
– Balloon sticks, closures, clips Bread bag tags
SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
– Bait bags
– Plastic dome lids
– Plastic wrapping on magazines
– Takeaway containers
SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
– Sauce sachets (such as tomato, etc)
