Long-awaited single-use plastic bill to be introduced to ACT Parliament

The long-awaited bill had been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

If it passes, plastic cutlery, drink-stirrers and polystyrene food containers would be banned from July 1 next year.

Plastic straws and plastic bags for fruit and vegetables would be next on the chopping block, to be outlawed by mid-2022.

It will be the first major reform to be introduced by the government since it was returned to power at the October territory election.

City Services Minister Chris Steel said it was an important step on taking action on climate change and protecting the environment.

"My first significant piece of legislation this term is on an issue that is important to the Canberra community - banning single use plastics in the ACT," he said.

"Strong regulatory action will be an important part of the bill - that is to prohibit the sale, supply and distribution of these unnecessary single-use plastic items."

The bill will also allow the government to declare public events - whether they are government or non-government - as single-use plastic free.

This could include products beyond those already prohibited.

Mr Steel said he was mindful the proposed laws could place extra stress on the hospitality industry and events when they are trying to survive during the pandemic.

For that reason, the legislation would not come into effect until mid-2021.

"The government has already consulted with industry and the community on the phasing out single use plastics discussion paper and we have released our final next steps policy," Mr Steel said.

"This legislation is crucial to ensure we can we can recycle as much material as possible and reduce the amount of plastic going into landfill and our environment.

"I commend a number of businesses who have already made the transition away from products outlined in this initial proposal and I look forward to working with business and broader community to phase out these harmful materials."