From this Sunday, your beer will be served in a paper cup at Optus Stadium as the venue comes in line with the state government’s policy to phase-out single-use plastics.

WA is currently in the first of a two-stage approach to end the use of single-use items.

The sale or supply of disposable plastic cups for cold drinks kicked off in WA on October 1, following the banning of single-use plastic plates, cutlery, straws, helium balloon releases and expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers back in July.

The paper cups at the stadium will hold the same amount as the plastic cups and sourced from a local WA supplier. No cost has been passed onto customers.

It’s understood the switch will save between 50,000 and 80,000 plastic cups being used on an AFL game day and about 20,000 and 50,000 cups on cricket match days.

Stage two of the Plan for Plastics program will roll out in February 2023 and will include the phasing out of produce bags for carrying loose fruit and veggies, microbeads, cotton buds with plastic stalks and coffee cups and lids.

No word yet how the paper cup may affect the taste of your beer. I guess we’ll soon find out.