Published on Thursday, 29 August 2024 at 11:02:56 AM
From 2023 to 2025 more plastic items, such as non-compostable produce bags, coffee cups, and takeaway containers, are being banned across Western Australia in an effort to reduce plastic pollution. The bans apply to all organisations including retailers, suppliers, hospitality businesses, importers, not-for-profits, government, online marketplaces, and community groups.
About the WA ban
The Stage 2 Plan for Plastics came into effect on 1 March 2023 with bans on supply coming into effect in 4 stages between 2023 and 2025.
The ban applies to all businesses and suppliers, as well as community/not-for-profit organisations, regardless of whether items are provided free or sold. Please also note that ‘plastic’ includes bio-based or compostable plastics in any amount or type, including paper items with plastic coatings or linings (limited exemptions apply for certified compostable items).
The first ban came into effect on 1 September 2023 and included items such as EPS cups and trays, plastic microbeads, degradable plastics, plastic cotton bud sticks and loose-fill expanded plastic packaging. The next ban includes disposable plastic coffee cups, cup lids and unlidded food trays and comes into effect on 1 March 2024. From 1 September 2024, plastic containers, bowls and trays used in eat-in or takeaway food services, and non-compostable produce bags for fresh fruit and vegetables, will be banned. Finally, moulded expanded plastic packaging will be phased out by 1 July 2025. Please note that it is an offence to provide false or misleading information about Stage 2 banned items since 1 March 2023.
Detailed information about what’s banned and when >
Help for businesses
The National Retail Association have assisted businesses with 14 bans over the past 5 years and have been engaged by the WA Government to provide a range of free resources and services to help WA businesses to prepare for upcoming bans.
The free support services include a user-friendly website with downloadable factsheets and signage, a toll-free business hotline, online information sessions, supplier communications, and a dedicated team visiting retailers and hospitality businesses over coming months.
In addition, the WA Government and the National Retail Association have created a Comprehensive Guide for Business which covers all past, current and upcoming bans in a single booklet (available on website).
Access the free support services:
Other bans
The National Retail team works across multiple bans and sustainability initiatives impacting businesses across Australia and New Zealand. More information:
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