Reduction strategies that tackle debris items at the source (i.e., Source Reduction Plans (SRPs)) have been suggested as a key strategy to achieve a reduction in debris in the environment. SRPs are a novel strategy, and they differ in their implementation approach since different items require different methods depending on their characteristics, pathway, and source. In Australia, SRPs have been applied by communities and the Tangaroa Blue Foundation. Globally, there is a lack of information available concerning the challenges associated with the implementation of SRPs, such as policy considerations and costs. Therefore, there is a need to measure the effectiveness of specific SRPs as mitigation tools and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Allowing us to build better plastic waste reduction strategies in the future. We measured the effectiveness of different quantifiable SRP projects at different scales: cigarette butts, plastic straws, and cotton buds (consumer scale) and strapping bands used in fisheries (industrial scale). Our results show the potential of SRP in reducing specific items of debris in the environment. We highlight the importance of SRPs and make recommendations on future steps towards reducing single-use plastics in the environment.