Plastic Free Bassendean

The Town of Bassendean recognises the detrimental effects on human health and the environment caused by excess waste and particularly, single use plastics.

During 2019 the Boomerang Alliance together with the Town of Bassendean delivered a pilot project to engage with cafes in the Town to eliminate single use plastic packaging from their stores.

Four businesses in the Town have achieved plastic free status and the Old Perth Road Markets have made exceptional progress towards eliminating plastic from their stalls.

The Town wishes to continue support for its community to move towards alternatives to single use plastics. Council have therefore introduced a policy prohibiting the use, sale and distribution of single use plastics and balloons from:

  • All operations conducted by the Town.
  • Traders (excluding alfresco dining) operating with a permit issued by the Town.
  • Public functions and/or events held in thoroughfares, public places and on local government property where approval is required from the Town.

The ban does not apply to:

  • Events that do not require approval from the Town.
  • Traders and businesses that do not require a permit from the Town under the Local Law.
  • Activities operating under a lease agreement from the Town entered into prior to this Policy being made.

Why is this important

Plastic polymers do not biodegrade, but rather break down into smaller and smaller pieces that cannot be seen by the unaided eye. Micro-plastics build up in the environment and accumulate in the food chain.

In many marine environments plastic is now more common than food, with many wildlife filling their stomachs with plastic and starving to death.

Eliminating the use of unnecessary plastic is everyone’s responsibility.

When will the ban come into effect?

The Town is aware that the current COVID-19 pandemic has prevented businesses from adopting and supporting the use of re-usable items. Therefore the Town will not be enforcing the policy until the situation allows for businesses to safely accept reusable items from customers, such as coffee cups.

We suggest those groups and businesses that this policy applies to, use this time to prepare their activities accordingly. Look at your current product range and purchasing options and consider what changes you may need to make to ensure your activities are supported under this policy.

If you are a café that would ordinarily accept reusable coffee cups and you would like to continue accepting them, please see the Boomerang Alliance A cafe owner's guide to using reusable foodware during Covid-19.

For information about the policy please read the document A guide for eliminating single-use plastics. For further support please contact the Town’s Recycling & Waste Officer.

What can be used instead of Plastic

Alternatives to single-use plastics

If you need this

Try this first

and then try this

Cups

Reusable mugs and cups provided and a wash station set up on site.

Patrons encouraged to bring their own mug or coffee cup

Compostable cups made from PLA, sugarcane or paper.

Only provide a lid when it is requested.

Plates and bowls

Patrons BYO plate/bowl

Re-usable crockery or re-usable plastic wares provided by vendors and washed on site.

Compostable plates and bowls made from PLA, sugarcane or paper.

Cutlery

Reusable cutlery provided and wash stations set up on site.

Patrons encouraged to bring their own reusable cutlery

Compostable (PLA, sugarcane or paper) or wooden cutlery

 

Water bottles

Drinking water facilities are made available on site

Patrons can bring their own bottle & refill on site

Reusable bottles available for purchase at the event

Glass

Paperboard cartons Aluminium or steel cans

Straws

Patrons encouraged to bring their own straw

Stainless steel straws to be washed and re-used.

Paper straws

Bags

Patrons encouraged to bring their own reusable bag

Vendors sell re-usable bags

Paper bags

Compostable bags

Boxes

Condiments

Provide a condiment station where people can apply sauces directly to their meal.

Provide condiments in compostable packaging such as paper/bamboo or PLA trays.

Cling wrap

Airtight containers

Silicone food wraps

Glass jars for food storage

Sandwich pockets

Bees wax wraps

Compostable plant based soft plastic packaging and cling film.

Baking paper

Where can I find out more?

Contact the Town's Recycling & Waste Services Team on 9377 9000 or view our Council Policy 2.15 Single Use Plastics & Balloons

Council Policy 2.15 Single Use Plastics & Balloons

Guide for Eliminating Single Use Plastics