Members of the public and retailers are reminded that the Control of Disposable Plastics Act 2020 will be reinstated effective today, Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
That therefore means that once again it will be an offence to sell, manufacture, import, distribute or use single-use plastic items made of polyethylene, polypropylene or any other petroleum-based material.
These items include egg boxes, food service products (namely lids, caps, stoppers and other closures), cups, drinking straws, forks, knives, plates, spoons, and stirrers.
Persons who are found in breach of this Act are guilty of an offence, and on summary conviction can be fined $100,000; or imprisoned for one year.
A continuing offender would face both penalties, along with a further fine of $1,000 for each day, or part thereof, during which the offence continues, after which a conviction was first obtained.