Members of the public are reminded that it is an offence to sell, manufacture, import, distribute or use single-use plastic items made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or any other petroleum-based material.
These substances are banned under the Control of Disposable Plastics Act 2020, which remains in effect.
The items include egg boxes, food service products (namely lids, caps, stoppers, and other closures), cups, drinking straws, forks, knives, plates, spoons and stirrers.
Persons found in breach of this Act are guilty of an offence, and on summary conviction can be fined $100,000, or be imprisoned for one year. A repeat offender could face both penalties.
In addition to a fine of $100,000 on summary conviction, a further fine of $1,000 per day may be imposed for each day, or part thereof, during which the offence perpetuates beyond initial conviction.