Packaging Bans in Australia

What Businesses Need to Know

Australia is in the middle of a major shift away from single-use plastics.

In 2018, Australian governments, industry leaders and packaging organisations agreed on a set of National Packaging Targets for 2025, designed to reduce waste, improve recycling outcomes and support a more circular economy. These targets now form the foundation for many of the packaging bans and restrictions being rolled out across states and territories.

What’s Next?

Achieving a circular economy for packaging is a long-term effort that builds on the 2025 national packaging targets. The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) 2030 Strategic Plan outlines the next steps to accelerate progress:

  • Increased recycling: Support for high-quality collection, recycling, and stewardship to boost Australian recycled content.
  • New membership model: Fees based on eco-modulation incentivise packaging designed for reduction, reuse, and recovery.
  • New indicators: Progress will be tracked alongside the National Packaging Targets, including reductions in landfill.
  • Social license: Brand owners are supported to meet community expectations on sustainable packaging design and disposal.

This plan encourages businesses to look beyond 2025 compliance, embedding sustainability into packaging design, supply chains, and product life cycles to meet Australia’s 2030 goals.

Plastic Packaging: What You Need to Know

Across Australia, governments have taken firm action to reduce the use of problematic single-use plastics. As of April 2023, the sale and supply of many common single-use plastic items are prohibited in all Australian states and territories.

These banned items include products such as plastic drinking straws, cutlery, cups, plates, drink stirrers, and expanded polystyrene food and drink containers. In most cases, only very limited exemptions apply, and these are typically based on health, safety or accessibility requirements, where alternatives like glass or metal may pose a risk.

What’s Currently Excluded

At present, food-contact packaging used for food not prepared on site - such as packaged food manufactured for retail sale - is generally excluded from these bans across all states and territories. While this exclusion is defined slightly differently depending on the region, the intent is currently consistent nationwide.

That said, this exclusion is expected to change over time. Governments have made it clear that further restrictions are coming, which means food manufacturers and suppliers should begin planning and transitioning now to avoid future disruption.

Single-Use Plastic Guidelines: State-by-State Breakdown

Scroll down to find your state or territory and learn what’s currently restricted, what’s allowed, and what changes are coming.

The ACT has been a national leader in reducing single-use plastics, with regulations evolving steadily since the first plastic bag ban in 2011. These laws apply to both suppliers and hospitality venues, with penalties of up to $8,000 for supplying banned items or incorrectly claiming a product is compliant.

What’s Currently Restricted

Under the Plastic Reduction Act 2021, the supply of the following items is prohibited in the ACT:

  • Single-use plastic cutlery, including bioplastics
  • Single-use plastic drink stirrers, including bioplastics
  • Single-use plastic straws (with limited accessibility exemptions)
    Expanded polystyrene (EPS) food and beverage containers
  • Expanded polystyrene loose-fill packaging and EPS trays
  • Cotton buds with plastic sticks
  • Products made from oxo-degradable plastics (plastics that break down into microplastics rather than fully decomposing)
  • Lightweight plastic shopping bags (under 35 microns)

What’s Allowed

The following materials and packaging formats are currently permitted in the ACT, provided they meet regulatory definitions:

  • Packaging made from plant-based, fibre or paper-based materials
  • Reusable, refillable or durable packaging solutions
  • Glass, aluminium or tin food and beverage containers
  • Plastic drinking straws supplied for medical or accessibility reasons

Suppliers must ensure they only provide compliant packaging to venues, and venues must ensure the same products are passed on to customers.

What Changes Are Coming

The ACT Government continues to review and strengthen its plastics legislation, building on the success of existing bans.

Already implemented changes include:

From 1 July 2023

  • Single-use plastic plates and bowls
  • Expanded polystyrene loose-fill packaging and EPS trays
  • Plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care and cleaning products

From 1 January 2024

  • Heavyweight and boutique plastic bags (over 35 microns)

Looking ahead, the ACT is also considering bringing forward additional phase-outs for items originally scheduled for longer transition periods, following strong uptake in other jurisdictions.

What You Should Be Doing Now

ACT suppliers and food businesses should begin transitioning away from single-use plastics wherever possible. The most future-ready packaging solutions focus on:

  • Reusable and refillable formats
  • Locally sourced packaging materials
  • Sustainably sourced, recyclable or compostable alternatives

Planning early helps ensure compliance, reduces operational risk, and supports the ACT’s long-term sustainability goals.

Plastic Packaging Guideline

NSW has been progressively phasing out single-use plastics, guided by the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021, the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041, and the NSW Plastics Action Plan 2021. These laws aim to reduce environmental impact while encouraging the adoption of sustainable packaging alternatives.

What’s Currently Restricted

In NSW, the following single-use plastic items are now banned:

  • Plastic drinking straws
  • Plastic stirrers
  • Single-use plastic cutlery
  • Plastic plates and bowls (without lids)
  • Expanded polystyrene (EPS) food containers and cups

Penalties for non-compliance are significant, with fines of up to $11,000 for individuals and $55,000 for corporations for supplying banned items or falsely claiming a product is compliant.

What’s Allowed

Businesses can continue to use packaging made from:

  • Sustainably sourced, plant-based or fibre materials
  • Reusable and refillable containers
  • Glass, aluminium or tin packaging

Exemptions exist for accessibility or safety reasons, such as straws for individuals who require them due to medical or disability needs.

Suppliers must ensure only compliant packaging reaches venues, and venues must pass on only approved products to customers.

What Changes Are Coming

NSW is continuing to review its plastic reduction strategy, with future restrictions likely to target additional single-use items. Key areas under review include:

  • Plastic bowls and cups (with lids)
  • Oxo-degradable plastics
  • Fruit stickers
  • Heavyweight plastic shopping bags
  • Barrier plastics
  • Product bags

The NSW Government is coordinating with industry to ensure sustainable alternatives are available before any further bans are implemented, likely by 2024. This means suppliers and venues should start preparing now to avoid disruption and stay ahead of compliance deadlines.

What You Should Be Doing Now

To stay compliant and future-ready in NSW, businesses should prioritise:

  • Reusable or refillable packaging solutions
  • Locally sourced and sustainably manufactured materials
  • Compostable, recyclable or plant-based alternatives

Proactively transitioning now not only ensures compliance but also positions businesses to meet growing consumer and regulatory expectations for sustainability.

Plastic Packaging Guideline

The Northern Territory has been taking steps to reduce single-use plastics for over a decade, starting with the plastic bag ban in 2011. More recently, local authorities, including the City of Darwin, have introduced further restrictions to reduce waste and encourage sustainable packaging practices across the hospitality and retail sectors.

What’s Currently Restricted

Under NT legislation and Darwin City Council by-laws, the following items are restricted or banned in certain contexts:

  • Plastic bags (lightweight checkout-style bags, including degradable plastics)
  • Disposable coffee cups and smoothie cups
  • Cup lids and straws
  • Single-use plastic cutlery and stirrers
  • Plastic plates, bowls, and takeaway containers (particularly at council-run events or markets)

Businesses supplying banned items on Council land or at Darwin markets may face permit or leasing violations, with penalties of up to $162,000 under Darwin City Council regulations. Fines for violating the broader NT plastic bag ban remain up to $8,100.

What’s Allowed

Suppliers and venues may continue using packaging made from:

  • Reusable green bags (must be kept clean and can be reused over 100 times)
  • Compostable or biodegradable bags
  • Heavy retail bags
  • Paper bags

Barrier bags for fruit and vegetables

What Changes Are Coming

The NT government, along with local councils, is actively encouraging businesses to transition to reusable, refillable, and compostable packaging. Future initiatives are expected to further limit single-use items while making sustainable alternatives more accessible for food suppliers, hospitality venues, and the wider community.

Retailers and suppliers should start planning now, exploring reusable or return-to-supplier packaging options and considering compostable or plant-based alternatives wherever possible. Early action will help businesses stay compliant and meet increasing sustainability expectations.

What You Should Be Doing Now

To get ahead of future regulations in the NT:

  • Switch to reusable or refillable packaging
  • Adopt compostable, biodegradable, or sustainably sourced alternatives
  • Ensure all packaging complies with council and Territory-wide rules
  • Educate staff and suppliers about current restrictions, especially at council-run events

By proactively transitioning away from single-use plastics, businesses can reduce risk, support environmental goals, and meet consumer expectations for sustainable packaging.

Plastic Packaging Guidelines

Plastic Bag Ban

Queensland has implemented a comprehensive single-use plastic ban to reduce waste and encourage sustainable packaging alternatives. The legislation affects both suppliers and hospitality venues, with clear rules and penalties for non-compliance.

What’s Currently Restricted

Under the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Act 2021, the following items are banned from supply to consumers:

  • Single-use plastic straws
  • Single-use plastic stirrers
  • Single-use plastic plates and unenclosed bowls
  • Single-use plastic cutlery
  • Single-use expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food containers and cups
  • Cotton buds with plastic stems
  • EPS loose-fill packaging (‘peanuts’)
  • Plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care and cleaning products

In addition, plastic shopping bags are heavily regulated. Compliant bags must:

  • Be 35 micrometres or thicker
  • Contain a minimum of 80% recycled content verified by recognised certification
  • Be durable enough to carry 10kg for at least 125 uses according to recognised durability testing

Penalties for non-compliance can reach $11,100 for businesses or not-for-profit organisations, including supplying banned items, making false claims about a product’s compliance or compostability, or failing to follow government notices.

What’s Allowed / Exemptions

Suppliers may continue to provide certain items in limited, lawful circumstances. Exemptions are typically granted for use in:

  • Clinics, hospitals, medical and dental facilities
  • Aged care facilities
  • Pharmacies and other healthcare settings
  • Suppliers providing items to exempt businesses

Businesses must ensure banned items are not supplied to the general public, and suppliers should confirm that any recipient qualifies under the exemption rules.

What Changes Are Coming

Queensland is likely to expand its plastics bans further to align with national 2025 packaging targets. Areas under review include:

  • Heavyweight plastic shopping bags
  • Barrier plastics
  • Additional single-use items in retail and food service

This means suppliers and venues should proactively transition to sustainable alternatives, including:

  • Plant-based or fibre materials
  • Compostable or biodegradable packaging
  • Reusable or refillable options

What You Should Be Doing Now

To stay ahead in Queensland:

  • Review all packaging and remove banned single-use plastics
  • Switch to reusable, refillable, or compostable alternatives wherever possible
  • Ensure suppliers only provide compliant materials
  • Train staff on exemptions and legal obligations

Proactive planning now will help businesses meet regulations, avoid penalties, and position themselves as sustainability leaders.

Single use Plastic items Ban

Tackling Plastic Waste

South Australia has taken a proactive and strict approach to reducing single-use plastics, aiming to meet the national 2025 packaging targets. The state has steadily expanded its bans over the years, making it one of the most regulated jurisdictions in Australia.

What’s Currently Restricted

Under South Australian legislation, the following items are now banned:

  • Single-use plastic straws
  • Single-use plastic cutlery
  • Single-use plastic stirrers
  • Expanded polystyrene (EPS) cups, bowls, plates, and clamshell containers
  • Oxo-degradable plastic products (e.g., certain plastic bags)
  • Plastic-stemmed cotton buds
  • Single-use plastic bowls and plates
  • Plastic pizza savers
  • Plastic barrier bags
  • Thick supermarket or boutique-style plastic bags
  • Single-use plastic beverage containers, including coffee cups
  • Single-use plastic food containers
  • EPS consumer food and beverage containers
  • EPS trays for meat, fruit, and other food items
  • Plastic confetti
  • Plastic balloon sticks and ties
  • Food bag tags
  • Plastic soy sauce fish
  • Attached or enclosed plastic straws and cutlery
  • Pre-packaged EPS cups and bowls

Penalties apply to suppliers or hospitality venues distributing banned items, with fines up to $20,000 for businesses and $5,000 for individuals. Additional penalties may apply for misleading or deceptive claims about the compliance or compostability of plastic products.

What’s Allowed / Exemptions

Suppliers and venues may continue using packaging that is:

  • Plant-based, biodegradable, or compostable
  • Reusable or refillable, including bring-your-own options for customers

Exemptions are limited and generally relate to accessibility, health, or safety requirements.

What You Should Be Doing Now

To stay ahead of compliance and meet consumer expectations:

  • Transition to plant-based, biodegradable, or compostable packaging
  • Introduce reusable and refillable take-away solutions
  • Review all food-contact packaging to ensure it meets future regulatory standards
  • Educate staff and suppliers about current restrictions and upcoming changes

By preparing early, suppliers and venues can avoid penalties, demonstrate sustainability leadership, and ensure compliance with one of Australia’s strictest plastics regimes.

Plastic Packagin Guideline

Single Use Plastics

Tasmania has committed to a state-wide phase-out of single-use plastics to meet the national 2025 packaging targets. The City of Hobart led the way in food service, setting strong examples for suppliers and hospitality venues across the state.

What’s Currently Restricted

In Tasmania, food suppliers and venues are prohibited from supplying single-use plastic items under 1 litre, including:

  • Plastic cutlery
  • Sauce sachets
  • Takeaway hot food containers and lids
  • Plastic straws
  • Plastic-lined noodle boxes
  • Plastic-lined coffee cups and lids
  • Plastic sandwich wedges

Local councils also implemented additional rules around single-use plastics, so businesses should check their relevant council websites for specific requirements.

Penalties for non-compliance included Infringement Notices, with fines of up to 20 penalty units for individuals and 100 penalty units for businesses or organisations.

Current Status

Tasmania has now fully implemented the planned bans as of 2025. This means all previously scheduled phase-outs are in effect, and businesses must comply with the full range of single-use plastic restrictions.

What You Should Be Doing Now

To stay compliant and meet consumer expectations in Tasmania:

  • Invest in plant-based, biodegradable, or compostable packaging for single-use items under 1 litre
  • Encourage bring-your-own, refillable, or reusable containers
  • Offer optional packaging or incentives for returns where possible
  • Consider larger sustainability factors, such as water usage, carbon footprint, and locally-sourced materials
  • Stay informed on local council regulations, which may set additional requirements

By taking these steps now, suppliers and venues can ensure compliance, support Tasmania’s environmental goals, and position themselves as sustainability leaders.

Plastic Packaging Guideline

Single use Plastics by-law information

Victoria has implemented one of Australia’s most ambitious single-use plastic bans, taking effect from 1 February 2023. This ban prohibited the sale and supply of single-use plastics - including biodegradable and compostable plastics - across multiple sectors such as food service, healthcare, tourism, and corporate environments.

What’s Currently Restricted

As of 2026, the following single-use plastic items are banned in Victoria:

  • Drinking straws (except for medical or disability needs)
  • Drink stirrers
  • Cotton bud sticks (except for scientific, medical, forensic, or law enforcement purposes)
  • Plastic plates, including paper plates lined with plastic
  • Cutlery, including knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks, sporks, food picks, and splayds
  • Expanded polystyrene (EPS) food and drink containers, including cups, bowls, plates, clamshells, and lids
  • Single-use plastic items integrated into food or drink packaging by automated processes (e.g., a plastic spoon included in a yoghurt tub, which became banned from 1 January 2026)

A banned single-use plastic item is any item made wholly or partly from plastic that is not reusable, including biodegradable, degradable, and compostable plastics.

Some plastic bags are also restricted - see local guidelines for details.

Reusable Items

Items are considered reusable if they:

  • Are manufactured for repeated use for the same purpose
  • Come with a warranty or manufacturer statement showing they are designed to last at least one year

Compliance and Penalties

Under the Environment Protection Amendment (Banning Single-Use Plastic Items) Regulations 2022, it is illegal to:

  • Sell, supply, distribute, or provide banned single-use plastic items in Victoria.
  • Provide false or misleading information about banned items or their composition.

The ban applies to all businesses, retailers, distributors, and not-for-profit organisations, including:

  • Restaurants, cafes, and food outlets
  • Charity shops, convenience stores, and market stalls
  • Schools, sports clubs, community events, and incorporated entities

Penalties for non-compliance include:

  • Up to $11,800 for individuals operating a business
  • Up to $59,000 for body corporates

Exceptions

Some items remain allowed due to health, safety, or availability considerations:

  • Plastic drinking straws for disability or medical needs
  • Cotton bud sticks for testing or forensic purposes
  • Cutlery in correctional or mental health facilities
  • Items purchased before 1 February 2023

Businesses are encouraged to document exemptions with suppliers to ensure compliance.

What You Should Be Doing Now

To comply with Victorian law and meet consumer expectations:

  • Replace single-use plastics with plant-based, compostable, or reusable alternatives
  • Consider paper, fibre, glass, or metal packaging for food-contact items
  • Implement reusable and refillable solutions wherever possible
  • Train staff and suppliers on current restrictions and exemptions

Victoria’s legislation is a model for future nationwide plastic regulations, so proactive compliance positions businesses as sustainability leaders.

Plastic Packaging Guideline

Single Use Plastic

Western Australia has implemented a comprehensive phase-out of single-use plastics as part of the state’s ‘Plan for Plastics’, in line with the national 2025 packaging targets. By 2026, all planned bans on single-use plastics are now in effect, and suppliers and hospitality venues must comply with the full range of restrictions.

What’s Currently Restricted

The following single-use plastic items are banned across WA:

  • Plates and unlidded bowls
  • Cutlery, including knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks, and sporks
  • Drink stirrers
  • Plastic straws
  • Unlidded cups for cold beverages
  • Thick plastic shopping bags of any thickness
  • Plastic-lined paper shopping bags
  • EPS (expanded polystyrene) takeaway food containers, cups, trays, and loose/moulded packaging (e.g., raw meat and seafood trays)
  • Coffee cups and lids, as well as lids for bowls, trays, plates, and other takeaway containers
  • Single-use takeaway food containers and trays
  • Degradable plastics of any type
  • Single-use plastics used for home delivery or online sales

Penalties for supplying banned items can reach $5,000 per offence.

What You Should Be Doing Now

WA businesses should proactively transition to compliant, sustainable alternatives:

  • Use compostable, plant-based materials instead of single-use plastics
  • Invest in reusable, refillable, or recyclable packaging made from glass, metal, or ceramic
  • Ensure all takeaway and food-service items are fully compliant with the WA single-use plastic regulations
  • Educate staff and suppliers on current restrictions and exemptions to avoid penalties

Recyclable or degradable plastics are no longer sufficient under WA law. Switching to plant-based, compostable, or reusable materials ensures compliance, reduces waste, and positions your business as a sustainability leader.

Are There Any Exemptions?

Certain members of the community require specific single-use plastic items to meet their life or health needs. Exemptions exist for plastic drinking straws in settings such as:

  • Disability support
  • Health care facilities
  • Aged-care services

These exemptions ensure that people with specific requirements continue to have safe and appropriate access to single-use plastics where needed.

Western Australia’s Plan for Plastics

Plastic Packaging Guideline

How to get ready for WA’s single-use plastics ban