Phasing Out Single-Use Packaging and Materials in Council Operations – Notice of Motion to Ballina Shire Council
Ballina Shire is stepping up. A motion proposed phasing out single-use plastics across all Council operations and events to protect our Richmond River.
By following Byron’s successful blueprint, we can slash waste, save costs, and lead our community toward a cleaner, sustainable future. It’s time to ditch the disposables and lead by example. Join us as we build a plastic-free Ballina!
The motion from BES was unanimously moved and resolved on 25/6/25 in Ballina Council.
Recommendation
That Council:
1. Commits to phasing out the use of single-use packaging and materials within Council operations, including administration buildings, facilities, and Council-run events, with implementation based on this report and designed by Council relevant staff as a policy.
2. Requests a staff report detailing an implementation plan, including procurement policy updates, staff engagement, communications strategy, and financial implications.
3. Engages with local stakeholders, including Farmers markets, Ballina RSL, Ballina Environment Society, and local businesses, to align Council’s efforts with broader community action and education on single-use waste.
Background
The environmental and financial cost of single-use packaging and materials is well-documented. Council has the opportunity to lead by example, reduce waste, and support the community’s shift toward sustainable practices.
Scope
This motion proposes a Council-led policy to phase out single-use packaging and materials—such as disposable coffee cups, plastic cutlery, takeaway containers, and promotional items—across the following areas:
- all Council business and operations (Councillors, Staff, Committees, Contractors, Volunteers) where single-use, disposable materials may be used such as, but not limited to, purchases, packaging, merchandise, catering, workshops and events.
- all Council sponsored and funded activities and event
- all individuals, groups, or organisations planning to use, hire and/or lease Council owned or managed sites (buildings, facilities and land) that require Council’s approval, formal notification or a permit to conduct an activity. This includes, but not limited to, events, information sessions, workshops, meetings, parties, filming, markets, farmers markets, festivals or club activities.
- Externally managed activities will require a Single-use Packaging and Materials Avoidance Plan to be completed by relevant stakeholders, with guidance from Council’s Resource Recovery staff.
A short-term implementation plan should include internal audits, reusable alternatives, signage and education, and clear procurement guidelines.
Implementation
Effective 3 months from adoption: Items listed in Table 1 are not permitted to be purchased, sold or distributed by Council Staff, Councillors, Committees, Contractors, volunteers and/or other representatives of Council and Council sponsored and/or funded activities and events.
Effective 12 months from adoption: Items listed in Table 1 are not to be purchased, sold or distributed by individuals, groups, or organisations planning to use, hire and/or lease Council owned or managed sites (buildings, facilities and land) that require Council’s approval, formal notification or a permit to conduct an activity
Effective 24 months from adoption, or at renewal, whichever comes first, the Policy will apply to all private lease or licenses within Council owned buildings, facilities or lands.
Financial Implications
Byron Shire Council spends approximately $230,000 per year on internal waste management. With policy and behaviour change—including banning single-use packaging—Byron aims to reduce this by 30% over two years. Ballina can expect similar savings through reduced procurement, landfill charges, and servicing.
Environmental Impact – Protecting the Richmond River
Single-use packaging comprises 40% of all litter found in the natural environment. These items frequently end up in our waterways through poor disposal and stormwater runoff. Even when sent to landfill, plastics and packaging leach harmful chemicals into the soil, which can contaminate waterways and aquatic ecosystems.
A peer-reviewed 2022 study (Science of The Total Environment) found plastic leachates can release over 400 harmful substances—including endocrine disruptors such as BPA and phthalates—that pose ecological risks through groundwater and runoff contamination (Rochman et al., 2022*).
Council has the opportunity to take direct action today to protect the health of the Richmond catchment and reinforce our commitment to sustainability.
Byron Shire Council: Your Neighbour, Your Blueprint
Byron Shire Council’s success is measurable and replicable. Their policy led to:
- 27,000 disposable items avoided at events
- 17,398 single-use items avoided at farmers markets (up to 56,638 possible)
- 4,000 disposables avoided through reusable community lending programs
If individual coffee cups used by staff were tracked, this simple change to reusables have potentially saved around 165,000 single-use items, over 4,300 kg of CO₂, and one ton of waste—all from one everyday action.
Strong Local Momentum in Ballina
Ballina is already acting:
- Ballina RSL launched a coffee cup swap campaign
- Ballina Environment Society is mobilising cafés and residents
- Council Waste Services, RSL, and BES are co-organising a meeting with café owners to build a united front against single-use packaging.
This motion builds on that local momentum and formalises Council’s role as a leader in sustainability.
Motion moved unanimously in Ballina Council meeting on 25/6/25
From Ballina Council meeting minutes:
260625/13 RESOLVED
(Cr Therese Crollick/Cr Kiri Dicker)
1. That Council confirms in principle support for a phased approach to eliminating single use plastic packaging and materials across all Council operations.
2. That Council include the following action in the 2025/26 Operational Plan:
Prepare and adopt an implementation plan to eliminate single use plastic packaging and materials across all Council operations.
FOR VOTE - All Councillors voted unanimously.
* Rochman, C. M., Boucher, J., Chatterjee, S., et al. (2022). Leaching of chemicals from plastic waste: Implications for aquatic ecosystems. Science of The Total Environment, 806, 150424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150424
More resources:
Read the full Ballina Council meeting minutes here.
Read Echo article ‘Ballina Council goes single use plastic free’ here
Read more about Ballina Councils ‘Waste Wise’ programs here
