NSW Government legislation bans certain single use plastic items from 1 June 2022. This means that businesses will no longer be able to supply these items and customers will no longer be able to receive them.
The ban is a commitment to remove certain problematic plastics, such as single use plastics and addresses the issue of plastic waste. This ban applies to all businesses, organisations and anyone holding an event or activity for sporting, education and charitable purposes in NSW.
Find out more on Social Pinpoint
To watch to the "Getting Ready for the NSW Plastics Ban" Webinar presented by the National Retail Association visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URjTyCWuxd4
From 1 June 2022 Lightweight Plastic Bags will be banned.
Lightweight Plastic Bags
A lightweight plastic bag is one with handles and is 35 microns or less in thickness at any part of the bag.
Lightweight bags made from biodegradable, compostable or bio-plastics will also be banned (including those made from Australian certified compostable plastic).
The ban does not apply to:
From 1 November 2022, the following will be banned
Single use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates and bowls
The ban applies to single use plastic straws, stirrers and swizzle sticks, cutlery including forks, knifes, spoons, splayds, chopsticks and food picks, bowls and plates.
The ban applies even if the items are made from biodegradable, compostable or bio-plastics.
The ban does not apply to:
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Serving utensils such as salad servers or tongs
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Single use plastic bowls with a spill proof lid
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Pre-packaged items that are integrated into the packaging of a food or beverage product through a machine automated process such as straw attached to a fruit box or bowl containing a frozen meal.
Exemptions will apply for providing a plastic straw for people with a disability or medical need.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foodware
The ban applies to EPS takeaway foodware such as clamshells, cups, plates and bowls.
The ban does not apply to EPS:
Single use plastic cotton buds and microbeads in certain personal care items
The ban applies to single use plastic cotton buds and rinse-off personal care products containing microbeads such as face and body cleansers, exfoliants and masks, shampoo, conditioner and hair dyes and toothpaste.
The ban does not apply to:
How to work with these changes
Businesses
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encourage customers to use their own bags
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reuse leftover delivery boxes instead of single use plastic or paper bags
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if you decide to provide a disposable alternative, opt for a sustainably sourced bag or those made from recycled paper
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providing dine-in customers with reusable items such as metal, glass or ceramic will reduce the number of single use items you give away and will also reduce the cost to your business.
Community members
Get more information
The NSW Government in partnership with the National Retail Association (NRA) is delivering a range of resources and activities to help businesses and organisations with the transition. Resources include factsheets, signage and point of sale materials and translated resources.
Contact the NRA
P 1800 844 946
E sustainability@nra.net.au
W www.dpe.mysocialpinpoint.com.au/plastics-ban-nsw