Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Act 2021 (Act No. 5 of 2021)

The Act amends the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 in several sections; in particular it inserts a new part (Part 3AA) Plastic items with the objects to (a)promote and support the waste and resource management hierarchy; and (b)reduce plastic pollution by reducing the number of single-use plastic items used or sold; and that become waste and are littered or disposed of to landfill; and (c)encourage retailers and consumers to reduce the overall use and sale of single-use plastic items; and use or sell sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic items; and (d)encourage manufacturers to identify innovative product designs for sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic items; and (e)recognise the needs of persons with a disability and the healthcare needs of persons in relation to the use of banned single-use plastic items; and (f)ensure manufacturers and consumers are aware of, and understand, information about plastic items that are compostable. The Part defines and bans and prohibits the sale of single-use plastic items, furthermore it states conditions under which plastic items are compostable.