Stage 2 of the WA Plan for Plastics came into effect on 27 February 2023. Stage 2 includes a second set of single-use or disposable plastic items and materials that will be phased out between 1 September 2023 and 1 July 2025.
Responsibilities
As a supplier, retailer or business in WA you have the responsibility to follow the regulations set for the items you sell.
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.
We will take an education-first approach to introduce these changes.
Compliance and enforcement
Transition periods for the phase-out of Stage 2 items will allow businesses to run down supplies and make plans for alternative processes and packaging.
The transition period for each item is outlined below:
| Stage | Item | Ban in effect date |
|---|---|---|
| 2a | Expanded plastic packaging (loose) | 1 September 2023 |
| 2a | Cotton buds with plastic stems | 1 September 2023 |
| 2a | Microbeads | 1 September 2023 |
| 2a | Expanded plastic cups and trays for raw meat and seafood | 1 September 2023 |
| 2a | Degradable plastics | 1 September 2023 |
| 2b | Coffee cups and all disposable plastic cup lids | 1 March 2024 |
| 2b | Trays for food not covered in the Stage 1 ban | 1 March 2024 |
| 2c | Produce bags* | 1 September 2024 |
| 2c | Lids for bowls, trays, plates and takeaway food containers | 1 September 2024 |
| 2d | Expanded plastic packaging (moulded) | 1 July 2025 |
Exemptions
Exemptions from the bans can be sought through the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation by making an application for a single-use plastic exemption. See making an exemption application for more information.
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. The following resources are available from NRA:
- WA Plastics Ban
- WA Plastics Ban – A comprehensive business guide to the plastics ban
- WA Plastics Ban – Hotline (1800 817 723)
- WA Plastics Ban – Stage 2 information sessions
Stage 2 is also being supported through the Plastics Free Program. More information on this program is available at Plastic Free Places WA and via the Boomerang Alliance.
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.
