From 1 January 2022 regulations to ban the sale, supply and distribution of specific single-use plastics and the release of a balloon inflated with a gas that causes the balloon to rise in the air came into effect. The ban applies to all businesses, manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and distributors in Western Australia (WA)
Penalties apply to any person who supplies or manufactures and knowingly provides false or misleading information about single-use items that are banned under the regulations.
From 1 July 2022 penalties apply for the sale, supply or distribution of the following single-use plastic items that are banned under the Environmental Protection (Prohibited Plastics and Balloons) Regulations 2018:
- plates
- bowls
- cutlery
- drink stirrers
- drinking straws
- thick plastic bags
- expanded polystyrene (EPS) food containers.
From 1 July 2022 penalties under the Environmental Protection (Prohibited Plastics and Balloons) Regulations 2018 also apply to individuals for the release of a balloon inflated with a gas that causes the balloon to rise in the air.
From 1 October 2022 penalties will apply for the sale, supply or distribution of single-use plastic cups used for cold beverages.
We will take an education-first approach to introduce these changes.
Exemptions from the bans can be sought through the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) by making an application for a single-use plastic exemption (see making an exemption application for more information).
The wholesale supply of these materials to retailers is strictly prohibited in WA after 30 June 2022.
The supply of plastic drinking straws is permitted in specific circumstances. See more information on permitted supplies for plastic straws in the Fact sheet 'Stage 1 ban – Plastic drinking straws'.
View current exemptions granted.
Need help?
The Government of Western Australia has engaged the National Retail Association (NRA) to help support businesses to comply with the ban and identify suitable alternatives. A dedicated website is available at plasticsbanwa.com.au and includes information about the ban and key steps to adapt and prepare. The website includes a schedule of retailer workshops and information sessions. Other resources include staff training kits and signage. The NRA also has a toll-free phone line (1800 817 723) to respond to questions from businesses.
When looking for ban-compliant products, visit the Business resources for sourcing ban-compliant alternatives with current products on the market that meet WA’s regulations.
Stage 1 is also being supported through the Plastics Free Program. More information on this program is available on the department’s website and via the Boomerang Alliance at waplasticfree.org.
If you have excess stock, the following companies have advised they may be able to assist with recycling:
| Name | Website | Plastic types that the facility can recycle |
|---|---|---|
| Claw Environmental | Claw Environmental Recycling Perth Phone: (08) 9333 4888 Email: admin@clawenvironmental.com | Symbol 2, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Symbol 5, polypropylene (PP) Symbol 6, expanded polystyrene (EPS) |
| Veolia | Veolia Australia and New Zealand Phone: 13 13 35 | Mixed plastic Symbol 1, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Symbol 2, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Symbol 4, low density polyethylene (LDPE) |
General fact sheet information about the Stage 1 bans and frequently asked questions are provided below. For further information please contact the NRA or the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
