Western Australia phases out single-use plastics

As of 1st January, Western Australia has banned helium balloon releases along with all single-use plastic bowls, cups for cold beverages and hot foods, plates, cutlery, stirrers, straws, expanded polystyrene food containers and thick plastic bags. 

A six-month transition period will allow businesses to use up supplies and adapt to the changes for all items, except for cups which will have an extended transition period to 1st October, 2022 to allow time to source alternatives.

In June, the State Government fast-tracked its Plan for Plastics by up to four years, leading to a range of single-use plastics being phased in from 1st January, 2022 and 1st January, 2023.

A community education program run in December 2021 aimed to raise awareness of the single-use plastic bans and to support the community to adapt to the bans.

A State-wide Plastic Free Places Program will begin in March creating partnerships with local governments, marketplaces, shopping centres, businesses, industry and community organisations to become single-use plastic free.

Retailer and supplier education will be implemented from early 2022 to further support industry to adapt by changing to reusable or non-plastic single-use alternatives across the supply chain.

People that require single-use plastic straws to maintain their quality of life will receive a continued supply on request with food or beverage or for sale at select locations.

Western Australian Environment Minister Reece Whitby notes "It is time for Western Australia to take the next step towards a single-use plastic-free future.

"Our State has a strong track record on plastics and was named the top jurisdiction in Australia for its work on plastics by WWF Australia for two years in a row.

"It's time for all Western Australians to think about the small changes they can make to their behaviour by adopting alternatives to single-use plastics and choosing to reuse.

"The community has shown overwhelming support for moves to reduce single-use plastics; the time has come for us to back that sentiment up with action."

Stage 2 of the Plan for Plastics will begin on 1st January, 2023 and will include bans on plastic barrier/produce bags, cotton buds with plastic shafts, polystyrene packaging, microbeads, oxo-degradable plastics, bowl and cup lids, polystyrene cups and coffee cups.

More information about Western Australia's Plan for Plastics can be found at www.wa.gov.au