Australia’s Phasing Out of Single-Use Plastics

Australia has made significant strides toward reducing environmental pollution by phasing out single-use plastics. Each state has introduced specific initiatives and legislation to tackle the problem, aiming for a cleaner, greener future. 

At All Gone Rubbish Removals, we are committed to supporting these initiatives and helping Australians manage their waste responsibly. Let’s look at how each state contributes to this national effort.

New South Wales

The Plastics and Circular Economy Act 2021 in NSW will phase out single-use plastics starting June 2022. Businesses will get help to switch to alternatives, with exceptions for those needing specific plastics for health reasons.

From June 1, 2022, lightweight plastic bags have been banned; from November 1, 2022, items like straws, cutlery, and Styrofoam containers have also been banned. The NSW Government has invested $356 million over five years to tackle plastic waste.

This legislation aims to prevent 2.7 billion single-use items from polluting the environment over the next 20 years.

Australian Capital Territory

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) implemented a comprehensive ban on several types of plastic bags and other items on 1 January 2024 to further reduce plastic pollution. This new regulation prohibits using all plastic shopping bags with handles, regardless of their thickness.

It also includes paper or cardboard bags with plastic laminate and non-woven polypropylene bags that weigh less than 90 grams per square meter (gsm) and lack stitched seams. This move builds upon the existing bans that started in 2023, which targeted a range of single-use plastic products.

These earlier bans included single-use plastic plates and bowls, often used for convenience but contribute significantly to waste. The prohibition also covered polystyrene trays, commonly used in food packaging, and polystyrene packing fill, which is frequently found in shipping and packaging materials.

Victoria

From 1 February 2023, the Victorian government enacted a significant ban on various single-use plastic items as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste and its environmental impact. The ban specifically targets drinking straws, plates, drink stirrers, sticks, cotton bud sticks, cutlery, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) food service items.

These items are commonly used in everyday settings and have been identified as major contributors to plastic pollution. They often end up in landfills, waterways, and oceans, threatening wildlife and ecosystems. However, some ambiguity surrounds the phase-out of other plastic items, which must be considered for future bans or restrictions.

These items include produce bags, which are typically used for fruits and vegetables in grocery stores; plastic cups and lids, which are commonly used for beverages; and plastic-lined paper cups, which are often used for hot drinks.

Queensland

From 1 September 2023, the Queensland government has expanded its efforts to reduce plastic pollution by implementing additional bans on various plastic items. Specifically, the new regulations prohibit the use of cotton buds with plastic stems, which are often improperly disposed of and contribute to marine pollution. 

Plastic microbeads, found in many personal care products and notorious for their environmental impact, are also included in the ban. Furthermore, expanded polystyrene loose-fill packaging, commonly used in shipping and packaging, is banned due to its persistent environmental footprint and difficulty in recycling.

Plastic shopping bags that do not meet the new requirements will also be prohibited. These new requirements aim to ensure that plastic bags are more environmentally friendly, either through their material composition or design, which might include specifications on thickness and durability to promote reuse.

Northern Territory

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has proposed phasing out various plastic items in its submission to the Northern Territory's Circular Economy Strategy. The targeted items include heavyweight plastic bags, plastic straws, plastic utensils and stirrers, plastic bowls and plates, polystyrene food containers, polystyrene consumer goods packaging, and microbead products.

This initiative aims to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability by encouraging the use of environmentally friendly alternatives. The strategy supports a transition towards a circular economy, focusing on minimising waste, promoting recycling, and protecting the environment from plastic pollution.

South Australia

South Australia's Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020 is pioneering legislation in Australia aimed at reducing plastic waste and pollution. 

Recognising plastics' essential role in daily life and the economy, the Act addresses the environmental issues arising from the production, use, and disposal of single-use plastics.

March 2021 Bans:

• Single-use plastic straws, cutlery, and stirrers (including bioplastic alternatives) were banned. Exemptions exist for health and disability needs.
• Reusable and compostable alternatives are encouraged.

March 2022 Bans:

• Expanded polystyrene cups, bowls, plates, and clamshell containers were banned.
• Oxo-degradable plastic products, which break down into microplastics, were also prohibited.

September 2023 Bans:

• Plastic-stemmed cotton buds, with exemptions for medical and scientific use.
• Single-use plastic bowls and plates, with specific exemptions for medical and scientific use.
• Plastic pizza savers, affect the recyclability of pizza boxes.

Upcoming Bans – 1 September 2024:

• Plastic barrier bags are to be replaced with compostable alternatives.
• Thick supermarket and boutique-style plastic bags to be phased out.
• Single-use plastic beverage containers and their attachments (like lids and beverage plugs) will be banned, and compostable and recyclable alternatives will be promoted.
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) food and beverage containers, including gelato tubs and retail food trays, are to be phased out.
• Plastic confetti and balloon sticks/ties to be banned.
• Food bag tags to be replaced with non-plastic alternatives.

Upcoming Bans – 1 September 2025:

• Plastic fruit stickers, plastic soy sauce fish, and pre-packaged products containing plastic straws or cutlery to be phased out.
• Industry is given time to develop sustainable alternatives.

Tasmania

To date, the Tasmanian government has banned lightweight plastic bags. However, it has recently committed to a timeline for phasing out other single-use plastics.

These include degradable plastics, plastic straws, plastic utensils and stirrers, plastic bowls and plates, polystyrene packaging, and microbead products. Additionally, the City of Hobart has implemented local bylaws that ban specific takeaway packaging.

Western Australia

The WA Plan for Plastics says that many single-use plastics will not be allowed from 2022 to 2025. Some items that are already not allowed are coffee cups, plastic lids for hot and cold drinks, plastic produce bags, and single-use plastic trays.

From September 1, 2024, the ban will include produce bags for loose fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as lids for single-use plates, bowls, trays, and containers.

Conclusion

Australia has significantly reduced single-use plastics through state-specific initiatives and legislation. New South Wales' Plastics and Circular Economy Act 2021 bans items like lightweight plastic bags, straws, cutlery, and Styrofoam containers.

The Australian Capital Territory has implemented bans on various plastic bags and single-use items from January 2024, building on earlier bans from 2023. Since February 2023, Victoria has banned straws, cutlery, and polystyrene food service items.

Queensland expanded its bans from September 2023 to include plastic-stemmed cotton buds and microbeads, with stricter plastic bag requirements. The Northern Territory plans to phase out various plastic items to promote sustainability.

South Australia's Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020 includes phased bans on many single-use plastics. Tasmania is committed to eliminating additional single-use plastics, with local initiatives like Hobart’s ban on certain takeaway packaging. Western Australia's Plan for Plastics outlines bans from 2022 to 2025, including produce bags and plastic lids for single-use containers.

These efforts aim to reduce plastic waste and encourage sustainable alternatives, contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

Explore sustainable waste management solutions with All Gone Rubbish Removals! Contact us at 0427 783 277 to discover how we can help you dispose of waste responsibly and contribute to a cleaner environment.