FAQs
- Phasing out problematic and unnecessary plastic items
- Scaling up reusable alternatives to single-use plastics
- Increasing plastic waste recycling
- Reducing plastic pollution in the environment and plastic contamination in our recycling streams.
What are single-use plastics?
Any disposable plastic or expanded polystyrene items intended for short-term use including but not limited to petroleum based disposable plastics and polystyrene items, such as coffee cups (with plastic lining), balloons and drink packaging.
What is the NSW Plastic Plan?
Our framework will support NSW and Australian Government legislation relating to targets and bans on SUPs, including the NSW Plastic Plan.
The NSW Plastic Plan sets out the NSW Government’s approach to reduce the harms of plastics in the environment by:
Find out more on the EPA website.
Who does this policy apply to?
The Policy would apply to all Council employees and contractors employed by Council at our events and facilities. This includes all Council-owned and operated offices, facilities, events, venues and outdoor spaces within the Sutherland Shire.
Organisations with leases or licences for Council buildings are not required to comply with the Policy but we encourage everyone in our community to consider ways to reduce single-use plastics.
Are there any exceptions to the policy?
Exemptions apply for plastic products that are required to meet legislation, food hygiene, medical and safety requirements, or where easily accessible and commercially viable options are not available.
How has the policy and action plan been developed?
The SUPs Policy and Action Plan were developed with input from staff across Council to identify opportunities to avoid, replace or swap plastics from our operations.
Council’s Resource Recovery and Waste Management Reference Group were also invited to review and comment on the draft Policy and Action Plan.
We’re now seeking feedback from our wider community and staff to help finalise the policy and plan.