Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has welcomed the Queensland Government's ban of all single-use plastics and expanded polystyrene takeaway items.
Beginning on 1 September 2021, TRC's Water and Waste Committee Portfolio Leader Cr Nancy Sommerfield said the passing of this legislation was an important step towards a more sustainable future.
"This is music to my ears and aligns with the principles of the recently adopted TRC Waste Management Strategy 2021 which seeks to reduce waste disposed in landfill," Cr Sommerfield said.
"Reviewing our waste management practices internally to ensure sustainable environmental outcomes and set a positive example for our community was an action that came out of the Strategy.
"As a Council, we've already taken a number of steps to start reducing the use of plastic items like straws, balloons and single-use plastic bottles at events and within the workplace so it's great to see that we'll be moving in this direction state-wide.
"The ban will see items like plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, cups and plates removed from the shelves of retailers from September.
"We know these items are a great threat to our environment and a major problem waste stream so to see them banned in the near future is great news.
"With a launch date of 1 September, businesses will have some time to plan ahead and prepare for the changes however there is no reason why they can't begin the journey today.
"Plastic pollution is a real problem globally so it's great to see Queensland taking a stand against the war on waste and thinking ahead about our future."
