Australian Capital Territory’s Single Use Plastic Bans are detailed in the ACT Government ‘Phasing out single use plastics’ Next Steps Policy document commencing in 1 July 2023. We have detailed the dates foodservice related packaging items have been banned or are proposed to feature in an upcoming ban.

Read more on the Government website >

1 January 2024 (Stage Three Ban)

BANNED: Heavyweight and boutique plastic bags (greater than 35 microns in thickness)

1 July 2023 (Stage Three Ban)

BANNED: Single-use plastic plates and bowls without lids, including PLA versions of these items. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) loose-fill packaging and trays.
EXEMPT: The ban does NOT apply to plastic bowls (traditional plastic and compostable PLA) designed or intended to have a spill-proof lid. Plastic-lined paper plates and bowls are exempt from the ban until Nov 2024.

1 July 2022 (Stage Two Ban)

BANNED: Plastic straws, cotton buds with plastic sticks & all oxo-degradable plastic products. These plastics contain additives which cause them to break down into harmful microplastics.
PENALTIES: Supply of prohibited plastic products – 50 penalty units. False representation about prohibited plastic products – 50 penalty units. (Source)

1 July 2021 (Stage One Ban)

BANNED: Plastic cutlery, including PLA bioplastic; plastic drink stirrers, including PLA bioplastic; and expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food and beverage containers.
EXEMPT: PLA bioplastic is currently an acceptable replacement product for expanded polystyrene takeaway food and beverage containers.

November 2011 (Shopping Bag Ban)

BANNED: Plastic shopping bags at or below 35 micrometres.
EXEMPT: Compostable bags that meet the Australian Standard AS4736-2006, including BioPak Bioplastic bags.