On Monday 9th March 2020, the City of Hobart voted to ban plastic packaging in the City from 2021. Hobart is the first city in Australia to ban single-use plastics applying to any businesses that sell takeaway food.

The City anticipates the by-law will reduce 600 tonnes of plastic going to landfill each year and help reduce litter (of which up to 50% is comprised of rubbish from takeaway).

In Government News Lord Mayor Cr Anna Reynolds has said the plastic ban has received a very positive response from the community, and that the Council will work openly with businesses “to ensure that they understand the by-law and understand the availability of alternatives.”

In an article in the ABC, Councillor Bill Harvey who led the push within Council, said “we’ve set a precedent that now hopefully many other councils will follow.”

The City of Hobart has provided detailed information about the by-law on its website.

This example shows that with community consultation, local councils can shape local policies that reduce unnecessary single-use plastics, pollution, waste to landfill, while helping citizens to support a much needed cultural shift towards one where we are conscious of the impact of our daily consumption habits.