Dozens of everyday plastic items to be banned in WA
Plastic coffee cups and a number of other everyday items will be banned in Western Australia this month as part of the state government's plan to reduce waste in the environment.
The new scheme - now in its second stage - is set to save more than a billion plastic items from entering the WA environment every year.
Products like non-compostable coffee cups, takeaway container lids, cotton buds with plastic, polystyrene cups and packaging, produce bags and microbeads are all on the chopping block.
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The new scheme - now in its second stage - is set to save more than a billion plastic items from entering the WA environment every year. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Some residents say alternatives like plastic-free coffee cups are already starting to circulate among communities.
WA is leading the nation in this sustainability drive, but with cost of living pressures sky-high, businesses are divided on handing increased supplier costs on to the consumer.
"When they're making a product just for Western Australia, I'm sure thats been part of driving the cost up. That's not sensible," said Warren Reynolds, executive chairman of drive-through coffee chain Muzz Buzz.
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Products like non-compostable coffee cups, takeaway container lids, cotton buds with plastic, polystyrene cups and packaging, produce bags and microbeads are all on the chopping block. AAP
Although the ban starts on February 27, businesses have been given a "grace period" before it'll be enforced.
This will allow operators to use up their remaining stock and order in the new products.
After this, fines of up to $25,000 could be issued to non-compliant businesses and up to $5000 for individuals.
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