Single Use Problematic Plastics Ban Changes Coming in 2024 for two Australia States
Single-use problematic plastic (SUPP’s) bans continue, with legislative changes to be rolled out across Western Australia and South Australia in 2024. With some single-use items to be phased out across the country by the end of this year, and it’s important to understand how this could affect your business and what alternatives are available to you.
Single-Use Plastics
SUPP’s have a devastating effect on the environment, which is why all states and territories are taking action towards phasing out problematic single-use packaging items. Each state and territory are committing and legislating different types of bans, with different timeframes.
Here’s an overview of the confirmed changes to come for 2024:
Western Australia
As part of WA’s Plan for Plastics, the government has already phased out a number of single-use products, with the bans set to continue throughout 2024 and into 2025, with the following:
● From 1 March 2024:
○ Disposable plastic coffee cups (excluding AS 4736 Commercial Compostable or AS 5810 Home Compostable certified),
○ Disposable plastic cup lids (for hot or cold drinks – exempt all-fibre non-plastic lid with no plastic/coating), and
○ Disposable plastic or paper lined trays for takeaway or dine-in (excluding AS 4736 Commercial Composting or AS 5810 Home Compositing).
● From 1 September 2024:
○ Disposable plastic produce bags used for fresh unpackaged fruit and vegetables (excluding AS 4736 Commercial Compostable or AS 5810 Home Compostable certified bio-plastics), and
○ Disposable plastic bowls, trays, containers and their lids used for takeaway or eat-in food (excluding AS 4736 Commercial Compostable or AS 5810 Home Compostable certified and plastic lids / windows for pre‑packed takeaway food placed on display).
● From 1 July 2025:
○ Phase 2 of ban introduced July 2022, moulded or expanded plastic packaging (EPS) used for raw meat and seafood, includes pre-packaged .
Detpak has you covered - Find available packaging to support the WA Upcoming SUPP’s Bans, or download the WA SUPP's Guide.
South Australia
Under the Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020, SA has been introducing legislation to ban plastics across the state,. with new legislation set to come into effect from the 1st of September 2024 banning:
● Plastic barrier bags (fruit and vegetable bag), thick supermarket or boutique-style plastic bag (excluding AS 4736 Commercial Compostable or AS 5810 Home Compostable certified),
● Single-use plastic beverage containers including coffee cups with single-use plastic lids (excluding AS 4736 Commercial Compostable or AS 5810 Home Compostable certified),
● Single-use plastic food containers (excluding AS 4736 Commercial Compostable or AS 5810 Home Compostable certified),
● Further to EPS ban from 1 March 2022, other expanded polystyrene (EPS) consumer food and beverage containers,
● EPS trays used for meat, fruit and other food items will be phased out,
● Plastic confetti,
● Plastic balloon sticks/ties, and
● Plastic bread tags.
There are plans to phase out plastic fruit stickers, plastic soy sauce fish and pre-packaged and attached products which contain plastic straws or cutlery, by September 2025.
For more information about the upcoming and future bans please visit the Replace the Waste website.
What Does This Mean for My Business?
Depending on where you’re located, chances are you’ve already been affected by some of the changes that have already been rolled out. It’s important to understand the legislation and changes in your jurisdiction to understand if your business is affected by the bans. Detpak’s Summary of single use plastic bans is available for download to assist businesses in navigating this evolving space.
If you’re set to be affected by some of the planned changes to be rolled out later this year, it’s time to start thinking about your options. When ready, discontinue ordering banned items, and use up your existing stock before the bans come into effect. In the meantime, research alternative items that are compliant with local legislation and prepare your business for legislative change.
Become plastic-free with Detpak
At Detpak, we’re here to help make the transition as smooth as possible. We understand that some businesses may face short-term challenges during the transition to plastic-free alternatives, which is why we’ve developed our Eco-Products® range. This collection of plant-based takeaway packaging is ethically sourced, certified and either compostable or recyclable. In addition to our Eco-Products® range, we’re also set to release our line of Aqueous Cups that will be available approx. late March, in time for the upcoming single-use plastic bans to be rolled out later this year.
Beyond creating our range of sustainable packaging, we’ve made it our mission to understand the current and planned single-use plastic bans so we can help you navigate this ever-changing landscape. Detpak are here to keep you updated with the latest information on legislative requirements around single-use plastics.
