SA passes legislation to ban single-use plastics

SA passes legislation to ban single-use plastics

  • Single-use plastics ban
  • September 08, 2020

The Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Bill 2020 passed Parliament on September 9, 2020. This legislation prohibits the sale, supply and distribution of certain single-use plastic products and establishes a framework for adding other products in the future. Please be aware the legislation has not yet commenced. It will be brought into effect on a date to be determined by the government, in 2021. The legislation implements the government’s July 2019 announcement to address the impacts of single-use plastic products. You can read the legislation here.

Exemptions

Importantly, the Bill contains a provision to implement an exemption that will allow for the sale, supply and distribution of single-use plastic straws to those in the community who rely on them due to disability or medical need. This exemption will be implemented via regulations.