*Pre-Packed Takeaway Food

*Pre-Packed Takeaway Food — (a) means takeaway food that is prepared in advance and placed into foodware before being put on display for selection by a consumer; but (b) does not include takeaway food that is prepared, or placed into foodware following an order or request by a consumer. For example, pre-packed takeaway food is a sandwich, salad or yoghurt made on the premises, packed ahead of time, and placed on display for customers to purchase later (eg. grab & go service). If this is the case, the foodware base must comply with the ban, but the lid or window can remain plastic if desired. This ensures pre-packed takeaway food can remain visible with a transparent plastic lid or window so customers can select it from display.

**Pre-Packaged Product

**Pre-Packaged Product means a product that — (a) arrives at the premises from which it is to be supplied to a consumer in a container or packaging in or by which the product is wholly enclosed, whether or not it is also in an outer container or packaging that contains multiple units of the product; and (b) is not designed to be removed from its container or packaging, other than any outer container or packaging, before it is supplied to the consumer. For example, a pre-packaged product is something made and packaged offsite and not modified prior to sale to the customer, such as a sandwich or salad made and packaged at a bulk food manufacturer and then delivered to multiple stores to be placed on shelf. If the food is a pre- packaged product, then the ban does not apply and both the base and lid of the foodware can remain plastic.

Western Australia’s State Government announced their Western Australia’s Plan for Plastics. This follows previous action on plastic, including the introduction of a lightweight plastic bag ban in 2018 and a container deposit scheme in 2020. 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 July 2025 (Stage Two, Phase Four)

BANNED: Expanded polystyrene packaging moulded

1 September 2024 (Stage Two, Phase Three)

BANNED: Plastic lids, lids with clear windows, seals for takeaway food containers, bowls, plates and trays (exemption for pre‑packaged takeaway food such as sandwiches and sushi), lidded bowls and food containers for takeaway and eat-in.

1 March 2024 (Stage Two, Phase Two)

BANNED: Single-use coffee cups that are not certified compostable, lids and seals for cups – hot & cold drinks (including lined paper), plastic trays for takeaway food.

1 September 2023 (Stage Two, Phase One)

BANNED: Expanded polystyrene packaging, all degradable plastics (Oxo) and expanded polystyrene cups.

1 October 2022 (Stage One – Phase 2)

BANNED: Plastic cups (including PLA cups) and plastic-lined paper cups for cold drinks (e.g PE lined paper cup).
EXEMPT: Certified compostable PLA clear cups used with a lid, only to serve food and certified compostable PLA-lined paper cups.
PENALTIES: Supplying a banned plastic item, providing false or misleading information about a banned plastic item, releasing, or causing/permitting the release of a balloon will be chargeable of $5000 per offence apply. (Source)

1 July 2022 (Stage One – Phase 1)

BANNED: Plastic plates, bowls, cutlery, drink stirrers, drinking straws, bags with handles (any weight/thickness) including PLA compostable versions of these items, expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers, helium balloon releases.
EXEMPT: Certified compostable paperboard bowls lined with PLA and certified PLA clear bowls used with a lid.

1 January 2019 (Shopping Bag Ban)

BANNED: Single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags under 35 microns, including compostable versions.
EXEMPT: Compostable bags are accepted if not used to carry goods (bin liner, dog waste bags, etc).