The phase-out of problematic plastic waste and the transition towards a circular economy is in the pipeline with changes taking effect from June this year.
The NSW Government is introducing legislation banning the use of single-use plastics to address the problem of plastic waste, which will roll out from 1 June 2022.
The aim of this ban is to help NSW transition to a circular economy that prioritises re-using and recycling resources in order to eliminate waste.
The supply of lightweight plastic bags
Lightweight plastics bags that are 35 microns or less thick will no longer be supplied, including those made from biodegradable, compostable and bio-plastics.
The ban will not apply to:
- barrier bags such as bin liners, human or animal waste bags
- produce and deli bags
- bags containing medical items
Further changes will come into effect from 1 November 2022.
Single-use plastic bowls and plates, straws stirrers and cutlery
The ban applies even if these items are made from biodegradable, compostable, or bio-plastics.
The ban will not apply to:
- serving utensils such as salad servers or tongs
- items that form part of the packaging or are attached to packaging (such as a straw attached to a juice box)
- plastic bowel designed or intended to have a spill-proof lid (such as those used for takeaway soup)
Exemptions will apply to certain settings for people with disability or medical conditions who need to continue using straws.
Expanded polystyrene food service items
This ban will also apply to some expanded polystyrene items including clamshells, cups, plates and bowls
Items excluded in this ban include:
- meat and produce trays
- packaging filler
- items that form park of packaging used to seal or contain food and beverages, or are within and attached to packaging through an automated process (such as noodle cups)
Single-use plastic cotton buds and microbeads in certain personal care products
This includes face and body cleansers, exfoliants, hair dyes and toothpaste.
If you are concerned about microbeads in products, look for the following commonly used ingredients:
- polyethylene (PE)
- polypropylene (PP)
- polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
- nylon (PA).
