Queensland’s Single-Use Plastic Progress Stalls, Experts Warn
A veteran campaigner, instrumental in establishing Queensland’s successful Containers for Change program, has voiced concerns that the state government has seemingly abandoned its commitment to tackling single-use plastics. Despite initial progress, including bans on lightweight shopping bags, plastic straws, plates, cutlery, and cotton buds with plastic stems implemented in 2018, no new restrictions have been introduced since September 2023.
This stagnation comes as a significant disappointment to environmental advocates who had anticipated further action. A roadmap, released in 2022 by the previous Labor government, outlined four additional potential bans slated for September 2024. However, this plan was put on hold in May of the same year, with the government citing a desire to align with national strategies.
A Lost Opportunity for Environmental Leadership
Tragically, by the time this national meeting took place, the political landscape had shifted. The 2024 state election saw a change in government, and with it, the momentum for these crucial environmental measures appears to have dissipated.
Toby Hutcheon, a prominent figure from the Boomerang Alliance, an organisation representing 55 environmental groups across Australia, believes Queensland is now lagging behind other states in its efforts to curb plastic waste. “Nothing seems to be happening with phasing out the next tranche of problem single-use plastics,” Hutcheon stated, highlighting a lack of progress on implementing further bans.
Reusable Solutions Face Unforeseen Hurdles
The Boomerang Alliance, a group with a long history of environmental advocacy dating back to the early 2000s and its foundational work on container deposit schemes, had identified several key areas for further action. One such item on the previously abandoned roadmap was plastic cups.
In a promising development, Stadiums Queensland conducted a successful trial of reusable cups across several of its venues in 2023. The initiative was met with enthusiasm, with organisers keen to roll it out more broadly. However, a significant logistical challenge emerged: Queensland currently lacks the necessary facilities capable of cleaning the vast quantities of cups required for large-scale events.
This deficiency could pose a considerable problem for the upcoming Olympic Games, which will be hosted in Queensland. Sustainability is a core tenet of major international sporting events. Notably, the Paris Olympics embraced reusable cups, and the organisers of the 2028 Los Angeles Games have made a firm commitment to ensuring all cups and food trays are either reusable, recyclable, or compostable, utilising local infrastructure.
Government Response and Future Strategies
When approached for comment on the stalled plastic bans and the specific issue of reusable cups, Environment Minister Andrew Powell, who also holds the portfolio for the Olympics, declined to answer direct questions. He did, however, confirm that the government is actively developing a new waste and recycling strategy, which is slated for release later this year.
Meanwhile, other states are forging ahead. Reusable cup systems are already in operation at major stadiums in Western Australia. Hutcheon pointed out this disparity, noting that while other states are actively progressing with single-use plastic bans, Queensland appears to have remained static.
He stressed the importance of addressing supermarket plastics such as produce bags, fruit stickers, and polystyrene trays as crucial next steps. However, Hutcheon emphasised that priority must be given to plastics that are prolific litter creators and have the potential to break down into harmful microplastics.
The Urgent Need for Action on Coffee Cups and Beyond
“A key one is coffee cups and plastic cups, particularly those that are used away from home,” Hutcheon explained, underscoring the widespread impact of these disposable items.
The Boomerang Alliance is currently piloting a reusable coffee cup initiative in Port Douglas. This trial allows patrons at cafes along the main street to deposit their used reusable cups in designated return bins, facilitating a circular economy model. While the state government has provided funding for this specific project, Hutcheon contends that such initiatives need to be implemented on a far larger scale and should be accompanied by a ban on plastic-lined coffee cups.
When announcing the new roadmap in March, Minister Powell had promised a plan, but concrete details and timelines remain elusive. He stated, “We’re getting on with the job of ensuring Queensland is in the best position to attract the investment needed to future-proof Queensland’s waste system, reduce what goes to landfill and boost recycling.” Environmental groups are now eagerly awaiting the release of this strategy, hoping it signals a renewed commitment to tackling Queensland’s plastic waste problem.
