City of Hobart first to ban single-use plastics

On Monday 9th March 2020, the City of Hobart voted to ban plastic packaging in the City from 2021. Hobart is the first city in Australia to ban single-use plastics applying to any businesses that sell takeaway food.

The City anticipates the by-law will reduce 600 tonnes of plastic going to landfill each year and help reduce litter (of which up to 50% is comprised of rubbish from takeaway).

In Government News Lord Mayor Cr Anna Reynolds has said the plastic ban has received a very positive response from the community, and that the Council will work openly with businesses “to ensure that they understand the by-law and understand the availability of alternatives.”

In an article in the ABC, Councillor Bill Harvey who led the push within Council, said “we’ve set a precedent that now hopefully many other councils will follow.”

The City of Hobart has provided detailed information about the by-law on its website.

This example shows that with community consultation, local councils can shape local policies that reduce unnecessary single-use plastics, pollution, waste to landfill, while helping citizens to support a much needed cultural shift towards one where we are conscious of the impact of our daily consumption habits.