The State Government announced on 13 June 2021 that it has fast‑tracked Western Australia’s Plan for Plastics. Regulations to ban single‑use plastics will be developed and implemented in two stages, providing a roadmap towards a more sustainable, plastic‑free Western Australia (WA).
Stage 1 will be implemented by the end of 2021 and includes: plastic plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, stirrers, straws, thick plastic bags, takeaway polystyrene food containers and helium balloon releases.
Stage 2 will be implemented by the end of 2022 and includes: plastic barrier/produce bags, cotton buds with plastic shafts, polystyrene packaging, microbeads, oxo‑degradable plastics, takeaway coffee cups/lids and polystyrene cups.
Complementary actions are also being progressed to introduce education and behaviour change programs as well as the Plastic Free Places program, to help the community and industry adapt to these actions.
This document focuses on the Stage 1 items being phased out by the end of 2021. Feedback on Stage 2 items will be considered separately in 2022.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation looks forward to working with your organisation to implement these changes. Together, we can reduce our dependence on single‑use plastics, helping to reduce our impact on the environment, waste streams and human health.
