New South Wales government’s new single-use plastic ban and what it means for your business | City of Sydney

In June, the New South Wales government passed legislation to ban lightweight plastic bags. From Tuesday, November 1, more single-use plastics will be banned. The companies will no longer be able to supply these goods to New South Wales. Here’s how to prepare and where to get more resources and support.
These prohibitions apply to all businesses, organizations and anyone involved in charitable, sporting, educational or social activities in New South Wales. Find out more about who the ban applies to.
A lightweight plastic bag is a full or partial plastic bag with a handle that is 35 microns thick or less in any part of the bag.
What you need to know: The ban applies to lightweight bags made from biodegradable plastic, compostable plastic or bioplastic, including bags made from Australian certified compostable plastic.
The ban does not apply to barrier bags such as trash bags, diaper or dog poop bags, grocery and deli bags, or bags used to store medical waste.
The set includes disposable plastic stirring sticks, fork, spoon, knife, spoon, fork, chopsticks and chopsticks.
What you need to know: This ban applies to items made from biodegradable plastic, compostable plastic, or bioplastic. Some exceptions apply.
What you need to know: This ban applies to items made from biodegradable plastic, compostable plastic, or bioplastic.
The ban does not apply to disposable plastic bowls with airtight lids, such as those used for takeaway soup, or disposable paper plates and bowls with plastic liners. To learn more.
All styrofoam catering items such as cots, cups, plates and bowls are banned in New South Wales.
Let’s say goodbye to disposables altogether and instead look to disposable plastic alternatives like paper or bamboo.
If customers dine at home, offer them reusable items made of metal, glass, or ceramic. Reducing the number of single-use items given away can also reduce costs for your business.
Most items made from compostable plastic and bioplastic look just like regular plastic, but they can’t be recycled in the same facility. They do not decompose unless recycled in a commercial composting facility.
If compostable plastics or bioplastics end up in landfills or as trash in the environment, they won’t degrade and cause as many problems as conventional plastics.
The NSW ban prevents the provision of compostable plastic and bioplastic straws, cutlery, mixers, bowls and plates, even if they are labeled as plastic-free.
If you are a consumer who uses some of these items, here is what you should expect from the ban and which items you can use.