NSW Environmental Protection Agency NSW Government
 

Alternatives to banned single-use plastic items

There are many reusable and more sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic items.

Note: plastic-lined paper plates and bowls are exempt from the bans until 31 October 2024.

  • Paper, metal, bamboo, glass, cardboard and silicone straws are swaps for single-use plastic straws
    Paper, metal, bamboo, glass, cardboard and silicone straws are swaps for single-use plastic straws
  • Alternatives to single-use plastic cutlery
    Wooden chopsticks, bamboo/wooden, reusable plastic and metal cutlery are swaps for single-use plastic cutlery
  • Alternatives to single-use plastic stirrers
    Wooden stirrers are a swap for single-use plastic stirrers
  • Bamboo/wood, ceramic, cardboard/paper and reusable plastic plates are swaps for expanded polystyrene plates
  • Alternatives to single-use plastic bowls
    Wooden, ceramic, cardboard, metal, enamel and reusable plastic bowls are swaps for single-use plastic bowls and expanded polystyrene bowls
  • Cardboard and paper bowls, cups, clamshells containers and plates are swaps for expanded polystyrene foodware
    Cardboard and paper bowls, cups, clamshells containers and plates are swaps for expanded polystyrene foodware
  • Cardboard, ceramic, steel, glass and enamel cups are swaps for disposable expanded polystyrene cups
  • Cardboard and paper clamshell containers are swaps for expanded polystyrene clamshell containers
    Cardboard and paper clamshell containers are swaps for expanded polystyrene clamshell containers
  • alternatives to plastic cotton-buds
    Cardboard, paper, wood/bamboo cotton buds are swaps for plastic cotton buds
  • Rinse-off personal hygiene products with no plastic microbeads are one swap for rinse-off personal hygiene products with plastic microbeads
    Rinse-off personal hygiene products with no plastic microbeads are one swap for rinse-off personal hygiene products with plastic microbeads