Update on the Single-Use Items and Packaging Policy
We are one step closer to finalising our Single-Use Items and Packaging Policy, with community feedback now under review. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts during the consultation period running from May to July. We received a total of 86 survey responses and a detailed report of what we heard will be shared on the YourSay page soon.
The updated draft policy is due to go to Council for adoption in November, with implementation planned to commence in 2026.
Why is Council updating the Plastic Wise Policy?
In 2016, Surf Coast Shire was one of the first councils to adopt a policy targeting plastic waste. Since the last review 2021, new State Government bans have come into effect. The draft policy has been expanded to align with the State Government single-use bans, and we’ve also broadened the scope to apply to all Council sites (not just events and markets). The policy also aligns with our Circular Economy Action Plan 2024-2027 priority areas of avoiding waste, maximising reuse and creating systems change.
What are some of the key changes in the draft Policy?
Broader scope
Applies to all activities on Council owned and managed land (not just events and markets).
Updated list of items to phase out
Updated from an event-specific checklist to three lists of items to be phased out.
Reusables over compostables
Due to contamination risks (PFAS and plastic linings) compostable products are not able to be accepted in council FOGO bin (lime-green lid) and must be disposed of in the landfill bin instead (bright red lid). Reusable or recyclable products are a much better choice to reduce waste and protect the environment.
Wait - aren’t compostables better than plastic?
While initially seen as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, compostable packaging can’t be accepted by our FOGO processor due to the presence of waterproof linings and PFAS. This is unlikely to change, as State Government service standards (which will outline standardised lists of accepted items in each of the four kerbside bins) are also expected to exclude compostable products from FOGO bins. Our policy tackles this by prioritising reduction and reusables.
What’s next?
- YourSay report (coming soon)
- Presented to Council for adoption (November)
- Implementation (from early 2026)