A new range of single-use plastic bans are now in effect across South Australia and Western Australia.
This includes plastic bags, polystyrene containers and cups, plastic confetti, and plastic coffee cups and lids.
In WA, today’s ban is part of the second stage of a phased plan that began in 2022.
Further, South Australia began rolling out plastic bans annually in 2021.
Here’s what the new bans include for each state.
WA
The plastic items banned in WA today include thin plastic bags for fruit and vegetables, and plastic lids for takeaway containers.
From 1 July 2025, expanded packaging, such as styrofoam-like moulds for appliances, will be banned.
SA
Today, SA banned these plastic items:
- fruit and vegetable bags
- thick plastic shopping bags, e.g. those sold at supermarkets
- polystyrene containers and cups
- plastic confetti
- balloon sticks
- bread bag tags
- coffee cups/beverage containers
- takeaway containers
These will also be banned on 1 Sept 2025:
- non-compostable fruit and vegetable stickers
- soy sauce fish containers
- straws/cutlery attached to drinks/food
Plastic bans across Australia
State and territory governments in Australia are individually implementing gradual phase-outs of harmful plastic products and implementing bans.
Plastic utensils, polystyrene cups and lightweight plastic bags have already been banned in most of the country.
Governments have also agreed to introduce regulations for recyclable packaging by 2025. The regulations are expected to include a ban on products manufactured with harmful chemicals.
