The NSW Government’s new single-use plastics bans and what they mean for your business
Some single-use plastics will be banned from 1 June in New South Wales.
Some single-use plastics will be banned from 1 June in New South Wales.
From Wednesday 1 June, NSW Government legislation bans certain single-use plastic items. Businesses will no longer be able to supply these items in NSW. Here’s how to prepare and where to go for more resources and support.
It’s all part of the NSW Government’s plan to phase out single-use plastics.
These bans apply to all businesses, organisations and anyone holding an activity for charitable, sporting, education or community purposes in NSW. Learn more about who the bans affect.
A lightweight plastic bag is a fully or partly plastic bag with handles, which is 35 microns thick or less at any part of the bag.
Date of ban: From Wednesday 1 June
What to know: This ban includes lightweight bags made from biodegradable plastics, compostable plastics or bio-plastics, including those made from Australian certified compostable plastic.
The ban doesn’t apply to barrier bags such as bin liners, nappy bags or dog poo bags, produce and deli bags, or bags used to contain medical waste.
You have a little more time to prepare for the ban on single-use plastic straws, stirrers, swizzle sticks, cutlery, including forks, spoons, knives, sporks, splayds, chopsticks, and food picks.
Date of ban: From Tuesday 1 November
What to know: This ban includes items made from biodegradable plastics, compostable plastics or bio-plastics. Some exemptions apply.
Date of ban: From Tuesday 1 November
What to know: This ban includes items made from biodegradable plastics, compostable plastics or bio-plastics.
The ban doesn’t apply to single-use plastic bowls designed to have a spill-proof lid, such as those used for takeaway soup. Find out more about the exemption.
All expanded polystyrene food service items are banned in NSW, such as clamshells, cups, plates and bowls.
Date of ban: From Tuesday 1 November
Learn more about the bans, including upcoming bans on single-use plastic cotton buds and microbeads.
Instead of seeking out single-use plastic alternatives, like paper or bamboo, let’s say goodbye to single-use items altogether. See our tips below and use our eliminating single-use toolkit for more ways to do this.
Most items made from compostable plastic and bioplastics look just like regular plastic but they can’t be recycled at the same facilities. They don’t biodegrade unless they’re treated in a commercial composting facility.
If compostable plastics or bioplastics end up in landfill or as litter in the environment, they won’t break down and create just as big a problem as conventional plastic.
Supplying compostable plastic and bioplastic straws, cutlery, stirrers, bowls and plates is not allowed under the NSW ban, even if they’re labelled plastic-free.
There’s support available for your business:
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