Plastic-free events

Canberrans are committed to sustainability and want action on single-use plastic products. In 2021, the ACT Government introduced the Plastic Reduction Act 2021 which banned single-use plastic cutlery, single-use plastic drink stirrers and expanded polystyrene takeaway food and beverage containers.

We are now looking for event organisers to take up the challenge of sorting out the problem of single-use plastics at events.

About the program

Half of all plastics produced are designed to be used just once and then thrown away (source). Event organisers and venue managers in the Territory have been working with the ACT Government for many years to deliver sustainable events. Getting plastic sorted builds on this strong foundation, and provides advice on reducing our plastic use even further.

How it works

Under the Plastic Reduction Act 2021, public events can be declared as events that ban the supply of specific single-use plastic items in addition to bans that are already in place for other single-use plastic items under the Act. These events could include ACT Government coordinated events or major festivals and sporting events. The ACT Government will consult with organisers of non-government events at least three months in advance of the event around opportunities to reduce plastic waste.

Who can take part

Event organisers in the ACT.

To learn about which events are already taking part visit the single-use plastics events page.

Cost

Event organisers can get tailored advice for free.

Why it’s important

Single-use plastics are used once and then thrown away where they can take hundreds of years to break down. Plastic pollution can end up as litter, causing damage to wildlife and the environment.

Contact us

Single-use Plastics Team
Email: singleuseplastics@act.gov.au

To find out more about single-use plastics in the ACT, visit the single-use plastics page.