We’re committed to supporting practices in schools that help divert food waste and disposable food packaging from landfill.

If you’re involved with providing or selling food at your school, find out where you can get more advice to help minimise food waste and phase out single-use plastics at your school.

Right Bite Food and Drink Supply Standards

We know that food-related packaging and leftovers significantly contribute to bin waste in our schools. This includes food and drinks provided by the school or sold within it. This is why packaging waste is included in the Right Bite Food and Drink Supply Standards.

Schools and their food providers should consider packaging, food waste and waste disposal. This includes by:

• adhering to the requirements of South Australia’s single-use plastics legislation, Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020 and corresponding regulations
• considering the environmental policies, procedures and practices of your school.

Single-use plastic legislation

South Australia’s Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020 provides clear rules about the plastic products that can no longer be sold, supplied or distributed in our state, including to or from educational settings.

Schools must not use the following items where food is sold or provided (unless exemptions apply):

• single-use plastic cutlery, beverage stirrers or straws (see straw exemption below)
• polystyrene cups, bowls, plates or clamshell containers
• all oxo-degradable plastic products.

See legislation explained on Replace the Waste for more information.

Straw exemption

The Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020 permits the supply of single-use plastic drinking straws for medical or disability need. Schools can keep a supply of single-use plastic straws on site for students, teachers, parents, or other school visitors who may need straws to consume food or beverages in a safe and easy way. See information on the exemptions on Replace the Waste.

Future items to be phased out

The legislation includes provisions for additional items to be added to the list of ‘prohibited products’ over time, subject to public consultation and consideration of impacts. Items being considered include plastic cups and other takeaway plastic food and beverage containers.

What you can do

If you’re responsible for food provision or for ordering packaging supplies for canteens or school events, consider alternative items to package and serve your food. Your responsibility includes checking that packaged food ordered from external services or vendors complies with the legislation.

Supporting the environment through food related practices

Schools that are developing or improving their environmental or food related policies, practices or procedures can consider:

• investing in re-usable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery where food is provided, such as breakfast programs, OSHC and canteens
• exploring the Wipe out Waste program and resources by KESAB environmental solutions, teaching schools how to reduce waste to landfill
• registering with the Sustainable Schools initiative
• being mindful of menu planning, storage and stock rotation methods to minimise food waste or spoilage
• re-thinking overall food service methods – can you reduce the total number of straws, cutlery, or lids?
• methods where food can be served without packaging, or in limited amounts, such as during fundraisers and celebrations
• having the correct bin management system in place to manage the waste produced at events
• finding a spot to compost food waste and consider adding a school fruit and vegetable kitchen garden to outdoor learning spaces.