Lukewarm takeaway

Call for more time before single-use plastics ban

CLARENCE may join Hobart and phase out single-use plastics as Salamanca Market prepares for its plastics ban.

Earlier this month, Hobart City Council approved a bylaw which will ban single-use, petroleum-based plastic containers and utensils next year as the council wages its war on waste.

The bylaw will apply to plastic cups, lids, utensils, straws and condiment sachets.

Launceston councillors will consider a motion to phase out single-use plastics later this month.

Clarence Alderman Luke Edmunds said single-use plastics were a massive issue for waste management and our environment.

“From speaking to business operators, many support a phase-out and have already taken steps forward,” he said.

“But they are telling me it’s more complicated than just clicking their fingers and changing suppliers.

“We need to know those challenges and work on solutions — whether that’s as a council or by working with the State Government.”

The previous council set aside funds for a survey on waste management including Clarence’s annual hard waste collection and green waste.

Ald Edmunds wants the survey to seek the views of Clarence residents and businesses on a single-use plastics ban, and will move a motion suggesting just that.

“The work needs to be done before going to a strict yes or no vote on a phase-out. Hobart used a pretty blunt instrument — I’m keen for a more thorough conversation in Clarence.”

Before Hobart’s bylaw becomes a reality, Salamanca Market will phase out singleuse plastics.

Salamanca Market is the last council-owned event that does not comply with the council’s event waste management requirements, but that will change from June 1.

The council has provided a program allowing stallholders to swap non-compostable packaging in return for the equivalent of up to 250 paper bags.

But Salamanca Market Stallholders Association president Kasha Siena has called for more time to transition.

“One stallholder had a bulk order for plastic spoons and now has four years’ worth,” she said. “If she has to get rid of it all at once it will be a cost to her business and if she keeps using them, she is facing fines.”

Ms Siena said while events such as Taste of Tasmania adhered to the waste management policy, it was a “consume and dispose” site unlike Salamanca Market where most customers took their items away.

Ald Simon Behrakis said stallholders were keen to move away from plastics but felt the process did not take into account the cost to stallholders.