Single-Use Plastic Bans | BioPak Australia

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BANS

Australian Single Use Plastic Bans by State

Single-Use Plastic bans are an effective strategy to speed up the transition toward a circular economy. The goal is to reduce plastic pollution on land and in the oceans and reduce the unsustainable use of fossil fuels to make packaging.

Stay ahead of the bans by simply searching your state below to find out what items are banned and shop-compliant sustainable packaging alternatives. BioPak offers certified compostable alternatives made from sustainably sourced and rapidly renewable materials – so you can feel confident that we have the right solution for you.

All States Summary Read More

Australian Capital Territory Read More

The ACT plastic bag ban came into effect on 1 November 2011, affecting plastic shopping bags (excluding BioPak compostable versions). The ACT single-plastic ban stage one came into effect on 1 July 2021, followed by stage two to be enforced on 1 July 2022.

November 2011 (Shopping Bag Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic shopping bags at or below 35 micrometres.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- Compostable bags that meet the Australian Standard AS4736-2006, including BioPak Bioplastic bags.
1 July 2021 (Stage One Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic cutlery, including PLA bioplastic, plastic drink stirrers, including PLA bioplastic, expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food and beverage containers.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- PLA bioplastic is currently an acceptable replacement product for expanded polystyrene takeaway food and beverage containers.
1 July 2022 (Stage Two Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic straws, cotton buds with plastic sticks & all oxo-degradable plastic products. These plastics contain additives which cause them to break down into harmful microplastics.
PENALTIES
1. Supply of prohibited plastic products – 50 penalty units.
2. False representation about prohibited plastic products – 50 penalty units. (Source)

1 July 2023 (Stage Three Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Single-use plastic plates and bowls without lids, including PLA versions of these items.
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS) loose-fill packaging and trays
- Plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care, cosmetic, and cleaning products
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- The ban does NOT apply to plastic bowls (traditional plastic and compostable PLA) designed or intended to have a spill-proof lid.
- Plastic-lined paper plates and bowls are exempt from the ban until Nov 2024
1 January 2024 (Stage Three Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Heavyweight and boutique plastic bags (greater than 35 microns in thickness).

BioPak Items Not Affected BioPak Items Banned

Banned Items	BioPak Affected Items	BioPak Alternatives
Banned November 2011 (Shopping Bag Ban)
SINGLE USE LIGHT WEIGHT SHOPPING BAGS (LESS THAN 35 MICRONS THICK)	None Affected	BioPlastic Checkout Bags Paper Bags
Banned 1 July 2021 (Stage One Ban)
PLASTIC CUTLERY	PLA Cutlery	Wooden BioCutlery BioCane Soup Spoon
PLASTIC BEVERAGE STIRRERS	PLA Stirrers	Wooden Stirrers
EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE CUPS	None Affected	Cold Paper BioCups Clear BioCups
EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE BOWLS	None Affected	BioCane Bowls Clear BioBowls Paper BioBowls
Banned 1 July 2022 (Stage Two Ban)
PLASTIC DRINKING STRAWS	None Affected	Paper BioStraws
ALL OXO-DEGRADABLE PLASTIC ITEMS	None Affected	Full Range- We do not use oxo-degradable plastics in any of our products
Banned 1 July 2023 (Stage Three Ban)
Plastic bowls	Clear PLA Bowls (without lid)	PLA BioBowls with Lid BioCane Bowls BioCane Sauce Cups Paper BioBowls All bowl lids are allowed
PLASTIC PLATES (INCLUDING PLASTIC LINED PAPERBOARD PLATES)	None Affected	BioCane Plates
EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE TAKEAWAY FOOD PACKAGING	None Affected	BioCane Clamshells BioBoard Boxes

Download Flyer Read more on the Government website

New South Wales Read More

The single-use plastic ban in NSW came into effect on 1 June 2022, this stage one bans lightweight shopping bags with handles (including compostable versions), followed by the stage two ban, affecting a selection of single-use plastic items, to be enforced in November 2022. PLA bioplastics are included in the NSW plastic ban.

1 June 2022 (Stage One Ban - Shopping Bag Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Single-use lightweight shopping bags with handles (35 microns thick or less), including compostable versions.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- Compostable bags accepted if not used to carry goods (bin liner & dog waste etc).

1 November 2022 (Stage Two Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, bowls, plates, expanded polystyrene food service items, cotton-buds, microbeads in certain care products, including PLA compostable versions of these items.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- The ban does NOT apply to plastic bowls (regular plastic and compostable PLA) designed or intended to have a spill-proof lid.
- Plastic-lined paper plates and bowls are exempt from the ban until Nov 2024
PENALTIES
1. The media has communicated about penalties between $11,000 and $270,000 for businesses and distributors caught giving out single use plastic bags in NSW, but the position of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is to support an educational transition rather than a penalty lead strategy. (Source)

BioPak Items Not Affected BioPak Items Banned

Banned Items	BioPak Affected Items	BioPak Alternatives
Banned 1 June 2022 (Shopping Bag Ban)
SINGLE USE LIGHT WEIGHT SHOPPING BAGS(LESS THAN 35 MICRONS THICK)	BioPlastic Checkout Bags	Paper Bags Compostable bag accepted if not used to carry goods(bin liner, etc.)
Banned 1 November 2022 (Stage Two Ban)
PLASTIC CUTLERY	PLA Cutlery	Wooden BioCutlery BioCane Soup Spoon
PLASTIC BEVERAGE STIRRERS	PLA Stirrers	Wooden Stirrers
PLASTIC DRINKING STRAWS	None Affected	Paper BioStraws
PLASTIC BOWLS	PLA Clear Bowls Without a Lid	BioCane Bowls BioCane Sauce Cups PLA Lined Paper BioBowls PLA BioBowls With a Lid All Bowl Lids Are Allowed
PLASTIC PLATES (INCLUDING PLASTIC LINED PAPERBOARD PLATES)	None Affected	BioCane Plates
EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE TAKEAWAY FOOD PACKAGING	None Affected	BioCane Clamshells BioBoard Boxes

Download Flyer Read more on the Government website

Northern Territory Read More

The NT plastic bag ban came into effect in September 2011. Bioplastic/PLA compostable bags are allowed/exempt from the NT single-use plastic ban.

September 2011 (Shopping Bag Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic bags with handles made of polyethylene polymer less than 35 microns thick.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN:
- Compostable bags that meet the Australian Standard AS4736-2006, including BioPak bioplastic bags.

BioPak Items Not Affected BioPak Items Banned

Banned Items	BioPak Affected Items	BioPak Affected Items	BioPak Alternatives	BioPak Alternatives
Banned September 2011 (Shopping Bag Ban)
Single Use Light Weight Shopping Bags (Less than 35 microns thick)		None Affected		BioPlastic Checkout Bags Paper Bag

Download Flyer Read more on the Government website

Queensland Read More

Single-use plastic ban QLD was introduced on 1 July 2018, banning plastic shopping bags, followed by stage one ban that was enforced on 1 September 2021, banning a selection of single-use plastic items.

1 July 2018 (Shopping Bag Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags under 35 microns, including compostable versions.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- Compostable bags are accepted if not used to carry goods (bin liner, dog waste bags etc).

1 September 2021 (Stage One Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls, EPS cups and containers.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- Compostable plastics versions of those items certified industrially (AS4736) or home (AS5810) compostable to the Australian standards.
PENALTIES
1. Any business found to be supplying a banned single-use plastic item or providing false or misleading information to another person about a banned plastic item may face a maximum fine of 50 penalty points (or $6672.50) per offence, with one penalty unit currently valued at $133.45 (Source)
1 September 2023 (Stage Two Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Cotton buds with plastic stems, expanded polystyrene loose packaging, microbeads, heavy-weight shopping bags, and balloons release.

BioPak Items Not Affected BioPak Items Banned

Banned Items	BioPak Affected Items	BioPak Alternatives
Banned 1 July 2018 (Shopping Bag Ban)
Single Use Light Weight Shopping Bags (Less than 35 microns thick)	BioPlastic Checkout Bags	Paper Bags Compostable bag accepted if not used to carry goods(bin liner, etc..)
Banned 1 September 2021 (Stage One Ban)
Plastic Drinking Straws	None Affected	Paper BioStraws
Plastic Cutlery	None Affected	Wooden Cutlery PLA BioCutlery Sugarcane Cutlery
Plastic Beverage Stirrers	None Affected	Wooden Stirrers PLA Stirrers
Expanded Polystyrene Cups	None Affected	Cold Paper BioCups Clear BioCups
Expanded Polystyrene Bowls	None Affected	BioCane Bowls Clear BioBowls Paper BioBowls
Expanded Polystyrene Plates	None Affected	BioCane Plates
Expanded Polystyrene Takeaway Food Packaging	None Affected	BioCane Clamshells BioBoard Boxes
All Oxo-degradable Plastic Items	None Affected	Full Range- We do not use oxo-degradable plastics in any of our products

Download Flyer Read more on the Government website

South Australia Read More

The single-use shopping bag ban in South Australia was introduced on 1 May 2009, Bioplastic/PLA compostable bags are allowed/exempt from the SA single-use plastic ban.

South Australia's single-use plastic ban legislation passed in 2020 with a stage one ban commencing on 1 March 2021, and stage two commencing on 1 March 2022.

May 2009 (Shopping Bag Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic shopping bags at or below 35 micrometres.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- Compostable bags that meet the Australian Standard AS4736-2006, including BioPak Bioplastic bags.
March 2021 (Stage One Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, including PLA bioplastic versions of those items.
March 2022 (Stage Two Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS) cups, bowls, plates, containers & all oxo-degradable products.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- PLA bioplastic bowls, cups and PLA lined paper cups.
PENALTIES
1. Maximum penalty: $20,000. Maximum expiation fee: $1,000. Different fees for different types of penalties. (Source)

1 September 2023 (Stage Three Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Single-use plastic bowls (designed not to fit a lid) and plates, (plastic-lined paper bowls and plates exempt until 1 Nov 2024)
- Plastic pizza savers
- Plastic stemmed cotton buds
The ban includes PLA compostable versions of these items.

All BioPak bowls are designed to fit a lid, so are considered food containers in this regulation. Therefore no BioPak item is affected by this coming ban.
1 September 2024 (Proposed Stage Four Ban)

PROPOSED ITEMS
- Plastic produce bags
- Thick plastic bags
- Single-use plastic beverage containers (including coffee cups)
- Single-use plastic food containers (EPS) consumer food and beverage containers (e.g. gelato tubs)
- EPS trays used for meat, fruit and other food items
- Plastic confetti
- Plastic balloon sticks/ties
- Plastic bread tags
Once the regulation is finalised, we will be able to confirm which BioPak items are affected by this ban – watch this space.
1 September 2025 (Proposed Stage Five Ban)

PROPOSED ITEMS
- Plastic fruit stickers
- Plastic soy sauce fish
- Pre-packaged and attached products (i.e. products that contain plastic straws or cutlery)

BioPak Items Not Affected BioPak Items Banned

Banned Items	BioPak Affected Items	BioPak Alternatives
Banned 1 May 2009 (Shopping Bag Ban)
Single Use Light Weight Shopping Bags (Less than 35 microns thick)	None Affected	BioPlastic Checkout Bags Paper Bag
Banned 1 March 2021 (Stage One Ban)
Plastic Cutlery	PLA Cutlery	Wooden BioCutlery BioCane Soup Spoon
Plastic Drinking Straws	None Affected	Paper BioStraws
Plastic Beverage Stirrers	PLA Stirrers	Wooden Stirrers
Banned 1 March 2022 (Stage Two Ban)
Expanded Polystyrene Cups	None Affected	Cold Paper BioCups Clear BioCups
Expanded Polystyrene Bowls	None Affected	BioCane Bowls Clear BioBowls Paper BioBowls
Expanded Polystyrene Takeaway Food Packaging	None Affected	BioCane Clamshells BioBoard Boxes
All Oxo-degradable Plastic Items	None Affected	Full Range- We do not use oxo-degradable plastics in any of our products
Banned 1 September 2023 (Stage Three Ban)
Plastic Plates (including plastic lined paperboard plates)	None Affected	BioCane Plates
PLASTIC BOWLS (DESIGNED TO NOT FIT A LID)	None Affected	BioCane Bowls Clear BioBowls Paper BioBowls

Download Flyer Read more on the Government website

Tasmania Read More

Single-use shopping bag ban in Tasmania was introduced on 1 November 2013. Hobart City Council was the first council to pass legislation to ban all single-use plastic foodservice packaging in March 2020. The City now has a by-law that bans single-use plastics at takeaway food retailers, which was enforceable from 1 July 2021. PLA/bioplastics are exempted/allowed in the single-use plastic bans Tasmania.

November 2013 (Shopping Bag Ban - All Tasmania))

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic shopping bags at or below 35 micrometres.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- Compostable bags that meet the Australian Standard AS4736-2006, including BioPak Bioplastic bags.

1 July 2021 (Stage One Ban - Hobart City Council Only))

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- All plastic single-use takeaway packaging, including plastic PE-lined coffee cups & plastic PS lids, cutlery, plastic takeaway hot food containers and lids, takeaway plastic straws & plastic bags.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- Compostable plastics versions of those items, certified industrially or home compostable to Australian Standards.
PENALTIES
1. The current penalty unit amount is $168 and is set by the State Government. The two penalty units are applicable for an infringement notice which can be issued by a council officer. An eight penalty unit and infringement of up to $1344 is assessed if the matter is prosecuted.(Source)

BioPak Items Not Affected BioPak Items Banned

Banned Items	BioPak Affected Items	BioPak Alternatives
Banned November 2013 (Shopping Bag Ban - All Tasmania)
Single Use Light Weight Shopping Bags (Less than 35 microns thick)	BioPlastic Checkout Bags	Paper Bags Compostable Bioplastic Checkout Bags
Banned 1 July 2021 (Stage One Ban Hobart - City Council Only)
Plastic PS lid	PS Hot Cup Lids	PLA & BioCane Hot Cups Lids
Plastic Takeaway Hot Food Containers And Lids	PET & PS Plastic Takeaway Container Lids	PLA & BioCane Takeaway Container Lids

Banned Items	BioPak Affected Items	BioPak Alternatives
Banned 1 January 2019 (Shopping Bag Ban)
Single Use Light Weight Shopping Bags (Less than 35 microns thick)	BioPlastic Checkout Bags	Paper Bags Compostable bags accepted if not used to carry goods (bin liner & dog waste, etc..).
Banned 1 February 2023 (Stage One Ban)
Plastic Cutlery	PLA Cutlery	Wooden BioCutlery BioCane Soup Spoon
Plastic straws	None Affected	Paper BioStraws
PLASTIC PLATES	None Affected	BioCane Plates
Plastic Stirrers	PLA Stirrers	Wooden Stirrers
Expanded Polystyrene food service items	None Affected	BioCane Clamshells BioCane Plates BioCane Bowls BioBoard Takeaways Hot Paper BioCups PLA, PLA Paper Lined & Bagasse Lids

STAGE ONE

1 January 2019 (Shopping Bag Ban)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags under 35 microns, including compostable versions.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- Compostable bags are accepted if not used to carry goods (bin liner, dog waste bags, etc).
1 July 2022 (Stage One – Phase 1)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic plates, bowls, cutlery, drink stirrers, drinking straws, bags with handles (any weight/thickness) including PLA compostable versions of these items, expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers, helium balloon releases.
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- Certified compostable paperboard bowls lined with PLA & certified PLA clear bowls used with a lid.

1 October 2022 (Stage One – Phase 2)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic cups (including PLA cups) and plastic-lined paper cups for cold drinks (e.g PE lined paper cup)
EXEMPT FROM THE BAN
- Certified compostable PLA clear cups used with a lid, only to serve food and certified compostable PLA-lined paper cups.
PENALTIES
- Supplying a banned plastic item, providing false or misleading information about a banned plastic item, releasing, or causing/permitting the release of a balloon will be chargeable of $5000 per offence apply. (Source)

BioPak Items Not Affected BioPak Items Banned

Banned Items	BioPak Affected Items	BioPak Alternatives
Banned 1 January 2019 (Shopping Bag Ban)
Thick Plastic Bags (including plastic‑laminated paper and plastic‑laminated cardboard bags)	BioPlastic Checkout Bags	Paper Bags Compostable bag accepted if not used to carry goods(bin liner, etc..)
Banned 1 July 2022 (Stage One – Phase 1)
Plastic Bowls	Clear PLA bowls (without lid)	BioCane Bowls BioCane Sauce Cups Paper BioBowls PLA BioBowls with lid All bowl lids are allowed
Plastic Cutlery	PLA Cutlery	Wooden BioCutlery BioCane Soup Spoon
Plastic Beverage Stirrers	PLA Stirrers	Wooden Stirrers
Plastic Drinking Straws	None Affected	Paper BioStraws
Plastic Plates (including plastic lined paperboard plates)	None Affected	BioCane Plates
Banned 1 October 2022 (Stage One – Phase 2)
Plastic Cups	Clear PLA Cups	Cold paper BioCups Clear PLA cups if used to serve food only and with a lid All lids are accepted

Download Flyer

STAGE TWO

1 September 2023 (Phase One)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Expanded polystyrene packaging, Degradable plastics (Oxo...), Expanded polystyrene cups, Cotton buds with plastic shafts, Microbeads
No BioPak items affected

1 March 2024 (Phase Two)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Single-use coffee cups that are not certified compostable, Lids and seals for cups - hot & cold drinks (including lined paper), Plastic trays for takeaway food
See BioPak affected items in the table below.

1 September 2024 (Phase Three)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Plastic Lids, Lids with clear window, Seals for takeaway food containers, bowls, plates and trays (exemption for pre‑packaged takeaway food such as sandwiches and sushi), Lidded bowls and food containers for takeaway and eat-in.
See BioPak affected items in the table below.

1 July 2025 (Phase Four)

INCLUDED IN THE BAN
- Expanded polystyrene packaging moulded
No BioPak items affected.

BioPak Items Not Affected BioPak Items Banned

Banned Items	BioPak Affected Items	BioPak Alternatives
Banned 1 September 2023 (Stage Two – Phase 1)
Expanded Polystyrene Takeaway Food Packaging	None Affected	BioCane Clamshells BioBoard Boxes
ALL OXO-DEGRADABLE PLASTIC ITEMS	None Affected	Full Range- We do not use oxo-degradable plastics in any of our products
EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE CUPS	None Affected	Cold Paper BioCups Clear BioCups
Banned 1 March 2024 (Stage Two – Phase 2)
Hot Cups	None Affected	PLA Lined BioCups Aqueous Lined BioCups
Cup Lids	PLA Lids PLA Lined Paper Lids	Bagasse BioCup Lids
Plastic Trays	None Affected	Plant Fibre Trays Produce Trays Unlined Paper Trays
Banned 1 September 2024 (Stage Two – Phase 3)
Boxes with clear windows If food is pre-packed and displayed for sale, plastic and PLA lids can be used	Lunch boxes with windows and BioBoard wrap and sandwich wedges	BioBoard Lunch Boxes
Bowl and container lids If food is pre-packed and displayed for sale, plastic and PLA lids can be used	PLA Lids/Windows	PLA Lined Paper Lids Bagasse Bowl Lids
Lidded Clear cups and bowls exempted in stage 1	Lidded Clear PLA Cup Lidded Clear PLA Bowls	PLA Lined BioCups PLA Lined Bowls Bagasse Bowls

Download Flyer Read more on the Government website

Find Packaging Alternatives to Plastic

BioPak have a wide range of alternative products to help you replace any of your foodservice packaging items that have been banned under recent state single use plastic bans. Select your state below to find sustainable alternatives to banned plastic items relevant to you.