The phase out of single-use plastics

Single-use plastic items are designed to be used once and then thrown away which is becoming problematic on the environment and waste management systems. Many businesses use single-use plastics, so it's important you’re aware of the items already banned and items being phased out in your state and territory.

The banned single-use plastics include:

• plastic bags
• plastic drinking straws
• cotton buds with plastic sticks
• plastic bowls and plates
• plastic cutlery (including knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks, sporks, stirrers, food picks)
• expanded polystyrene food and drink containers
• products containing microbeads.

To prepare your business for the phase out of single-use plastic items you need to:

• inform your staff and customers of the ban items and what changes are coming for your business
• stop ordering banned items now and use up existing stock before the item is banned
• undertake a stock-take of items you have and how long it will take to exhaust your banned items
• speak to your supplier if you have large amounts of stock, they may accept returns or exchanges.

There are many reusable options or an alternative single-use items that you can provide in your business, such as:

• Cutlery made from stainless steel, bamboo or heavyweight plastic that can be reused.
• Accepting reusable glass, heavyweight plastic, or metal containers/cups that a customer can bring in.
• Supply straws made from bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone. Only provide a straw on request.
• Provide cotton pads or buds with bamboo sticks.

Each state and territory have different dates and single-use plastic items will be banned. It’s important you know which items are banned and when in your state or territory.