Plastics bans guidance

Find out what types of plastic items are subject to the bans, determine whether a plastic item is single-use and learn about our approach to complying with the ban.

Banned items

From 1 June 2022

  • lightweight plastic bags with handles, other than a barrier bag, that are 35 microns or less in thickness at any part of the bag.

From 1 November 2022

  • single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery (including chopsticks and sporks), plates, bowls (excluding those with spill-proof lids) and cotton buds
  • expanded polystyrene (EPS) food service ware, including cups
  • certain rinse-off personal care products containing plastic microbeads.

The bans include items made from biodegradable plastic, compostable plastic (including Australian certified compostable plastic) or bioplastics.

Plastics bans and packaged food and drinks

Integrated plastic packaging iconsA guide for retailers, brands and manufacturers of integrated packaging of single-use plastic items about the upcoming ban from 1 January 2025.

Integrated packaging: guidance

Banned plastic single-use plates

Plastic phase outs - guidance for industry

Find out more about what is considered a plastic, what types of plastic items are subject to the bans, and how to determine whether a plastic item is single-use.

Industry: guidance

Canteen at Fingal Bay Sports Club

Information for community organisations and not-for-profits

Find out how the plastics bans affect community and not-for-profit organisations.

Community and not-for-profits: guidance

School craft activities

Information for schools and education providers

Find out how the plastics bans affect schools and education providers.

Schools and education providers: guidance