Queensland cuts down on waste: bans disposable coffee cups and lids

Over the next five years, Queensland will gradually phase out single-use plastics, including disposable coffee cups and lids.

On Friday, the state government is expected to announce its plans to reduce waste, which includes well-known items like plastic drinking cups and takeout containers.

Coffee cups will be among the disposable goods to be phased out and replaced with sustainable alternatives, according to environment minister Meaghan Scanlon.

‘Of course, we will continue to work with retailers, community groups and suppliers so they have the alternative products in place,’ she told Courier Mail.

‘That’ll begin with getting to work straight away on replacements for coffee cups through an Innovation Challenge – with further details to be announced soon – to get Queensland businesses working on the alternatives we need.’

When products are outlawed in September 2023, plastic microbeads, polystyrene loose packaging, and cotton buds with plastic stems will be among the first to go.

In an effort to lessen the amount of plastic that enters the oceans, mass balloon releases will also be prohibited.

‘Single-use plastics are problematic, and Queenslanders have made it clear they want to give more of them the punt,’ Ms Scanlon said.

‘They don’t break down. They fill up our dumps and they kill wildlife.’

After that, in September 2024, expanded polystyrene trays, oxo-degradable plastics, and plastic drinking cups will be phased out.

Additionally prohibited are single-use produce bags, balloon sticks, closures, clips, and bread bag tags.

In September 2025, the use of bait bags, plastic dome lids, and takeout containers will gradually end.

Business owners could face steep fines of up to $6,800 if they are found to be selling the forbidden goods.