Key updates

Plastic Free Places WA expanded

To support implementation of the Plan for Plastics, the State Government has partnered with the Boomerang Alliance, a not-for-profit organisation, to deliver a Plastic Free Places program.

How the Plastic Free Places Program works

The program engages with businesses, organisations and community groups within the food and hospitality sector to provide support and advice on voluntarily avoiding single-use plastics and switching from single-use plastics to better alternatives, such as reusable replacements or certified non-plastic compostable alternatives for the sale of food and beverages.

Many of the single-use items being banned under Stage 1 of the plan are used in the food and hospitality sector. The Plastic Free Places program provides an opportunity for businesses to voluntarily go “the extra step” beyond the ban to improve their environmental footprint.

The program focuses on reducing the use of six key single-use plastic items commonly found in litter – straws, coffee cups/lids, takeaway containers, food ware (e.g. cups, plates, cutlery), bags and water bottles. These key items form the basis of the Plastic Free Champion system and give members specific targets to work towards. Once a member has eliminated all required plastic items, they are awarded the status of Plastic Free Champion and are promoted in the community.

The program also supports the development of relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and retailers of reusable and AS certified non-plastic compostable alternative products, to provide to members with advice that aligns with the program’s principles.