South Australia’s push to eliminate the use of environmentally harmful single-use plastics moved a step closer last week with the opening of public consultation on draft regulations and proposed exemptions.

The State Government is encouraging community members, businesses and industry groups to have their say on how the reforms will work.

The consultation aims to identify any specific issues not addressed by the regulations and exemptions, and any potential unintended consequences, and will be open until February 28.

Community surveys conducted last year showed the public urgently wants action on single-use plastics.

The bans encourage reusable, recyclable or compostable alternatives.

With all other states also banning single-use plastic products over the next few years, prices for compostable alternatives are expected to continue to drop.

The regulations and exemptions were developed after examining those already in place internationally, and proposed bans coming into effect across Australia and New Zealand.

Green Industries SA will continue to provide free advice for South Australian Businesses on the best alternatives for their products and services.

Visit https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/2023-sup-regulations to have your say.

Alternatively, businesses and members of the public can also email a written submission to GISA.sup@sa.gov.au; or post one to Single Use Plastic Regulations Consultation, Green Industries SA, PO Box 1047, Adelaide SA 5000.