Takeaway costs to rise
TAKEAWAY prices are set to rise, following a complete ban on single-use plastic items.
New legislation was introduced this week, banning single-use plastic items, such as straws, cutlery, plates, and stirrers.
Barb Frohloff, who operates Barb’s Kitchen at Minden and Fernvale, said the ban would likely push prices up due to the cost of biodegradable items.
Her Minden store trades at about 80 per cent takeaway.
“The only plastic we use is the straws and the disposable cutlery,” Mrs Frohloff said.
“We would have to get new disposable cutlery.”
The law follows almost 20,000 submissions for a single-use plastic ban, where 90 per cent were in favour of supporting a July 2021 start date.
Mrs Frohloff questioned how it would impact certain items such as takeaway coffee cups and milkshake cups, which were paper based but had plastic lids.
“Maybe they will come up with an alternative lid,” she said.
At Forest Hill’s popular Viet Kitchen, chef and manager Nga Ho said her business wouldn’t be overly impacted because most people took their meals home.
The new law encourages businesses and communities to use alternative quick use items made from bamboo, wood or bioplastic.
The bill makes provisions for other items to be banned through regulation, following a consultation process.
People with permanent or temporary disabilities or healthcare needs that require single-use plastic straws will need to buy them at pharmacies, hospitals, dental and medical clinics.
Schools will also be able to access single-use plastic items should students have similar needs.