South Australia Government bans additional single-use plastic products

The South Australian Government is aiming to reduce plastic waste in the natural environment, waterways and beaches by banning an additional array of single use plastic products.

This ban is another step taken by the SA Government to address the impacts associated with a range of single-use plastic products having been the first jurisdiction in Australia to do so on a state-wide basis, beginning with single-use plastic shopping bags in 2009.

From the beginning of September, the following items are also banned:

• single-use plastic coffee cups and lids

• plastic barrier bags used fresh fruit or vegetables, nuts or confectionery

• plastic-laminated paper shopping bags

• all plastic food bag tags used to close plastic bags containing food

• plastic balloon sticks, plastic balloon ties and plastic confetti

Community consultation shows South Australians overwhelmingly support action to ban single use plastic items. Of more than 3,000 people surveyed, 97% of respondents said they supported more single-use plastic items being banned.

Phasing out single-use plastics is an important way to reduce pollution, cut carbon emissions and protect marine life. Without action, the annual flow of plastic into the ocean alone will nearly triple by 2040 to 29 million metric tonnes per year, the equivalent of 50 kilograms of plastic for every metre of coastline worldwide.

The Plastic Free SA program, funded through Green Industries SA will continue to provide free advice for South Australian Businesses on the best alternatives for their products and services.

Steps SA Government has so far taken

1st March 2021
Single-use plastic straws, cutlery and stirrers were prohibited from sale, supply or distribution in South Australia, with some exemptions for single-use plastic straws.

1st March 2022
Expanded polystyrene cups, bowls plates and clamshell containers were prohibited from sale, supply or distribution in South Australia, and oxo-degradable plastic products were prohibited from manufacture and production in the state.

1st September 2023
Single-use plastic bowls and plates, plastic-stemmed cotton buds and plastic pizza savers were prohibited from sale, supply and distribution in South Australia.

In 2025, plastic barrier bags used for dairy products, meat, poultry, fish and seafood, plastic fruit stickers, and plastic soy sauce fish containers will join the list of banned products.

For details on banned items and for access to information on legally compliant alternatives to single-use plastic, visit Replace the Waste