Prepare for next phase of single-use plastics ban

The next stage of the phasing out of single-use plastics, known as the Let’s Stop It and Swap It initiative, will come into effect on November 1 this year with the ban on single-use plastics being extended to:

• Straws
• Stirrers
• Cutlery
• Bowls
• Plates
• Polystyrene containers and cups
• Single-use plastic cotton buds
• Some personal care products containing plastic microbeads.

In the first stage, lightweight plastic shopping bags were banned from 1 June 2022.

This initiative is designed to prevent nearly 2.7 billion plastic items from entering the state’s coastal, marine and bushland environments over the next 20 years.

Businesses don’t have to wait until November 1 and can take the opportunity to prepare and be ready to continue business as usual. It is recommended that you:

• Prepare your staff, volunteers and clients.
• Stop ordering banned items now and use up existing stock.
• Do a stock-take and work out how long it will take to exhaust your banned items.
• Speak to your supplier if you have large amounts of stock. They may accept returns or exchanges.
• Transfer excess stock to another state (however be aware of similar bans in other states).
• Contact a local recycler to see if they can take some items if you cannot exhaust, return, exchange or transfer your stock in time.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority has declared some plastic items exempt from the bans where this is no safe alternative reusable item. This includes:

• the supply of plastic-single use straws by certain businesses and organisations to individuals (and those acting on behalf of those individuals) who need them due to a disability or other medical need.
• the supply of plastic lined paper plates and bowls while suitable alternatives are sourced (ending 31 October 2024)

Visit Plastics Ban NSW for more information and tips on how to make a smooth transition.

Any remaining stock can be sent to the Great Plastic Rescue to be disposed of responsibly.