In a step towards reducing plastic waste, the Western Australian State Government announced its WA Single-Use Plastic Bans 2022-25 on June 13, 2021. This initiative aims to cut down the environmental impact of single-use plastics through a carefully phased approach over several years.
In this article, we will explore the latest developments in this regulatory effort.
Stage 1 (2022): The Initial WA Ban of Plastics in Australia
Launched in 2022, the first stage of the ban targeted some of the most prevalent single-use plastic items.
The items banned in this initial phase include:
- Disposable plastic straws and cutlery
- Disposable plastic plates and unlidded bowls
- Expanded polystyrene food containers/trays
- All plastic shopping bags
Stage 2 (2023-2025): Expanding the WA Plastics Ban
The second phase of the plan, which started in 2023 and continues through 2025, further expands the list of banned items. This stage implements a gradual phase-out, with varying transition periods for compliance based on the specific item.
Newly banned items include:
- Loose and moulded expanded plastic packaging
- Degradable plastics (designed to break down more quickly into fragments)
- Produce bags
- Expanded polystyrene cups and food trays for raw meat and seafood
- Coffee cups and lids
- Lids for cups, bowls, trays, plates, and takeaway food containers
- Trays for food not covered in the Stage 1 ban
- Cotton buds with plastic stems
- Microbeads
These regulations, which took effect on February 27, 2023, are designed to be implemented in stages, with full compliance required by July 1, 2025. Below is a breakdown of the effective dates for each category.
| Stage | Item | Ban in effect date |
| 2a | Expanded plastic packaging (loose) | 01-Sep-23 |
| 2a | Cotton buds with plastic stems | 01-Sep-23 |
| 2a | Microbeads | 01-Sep-23 |
| 2a | Expanded plastic cups and trays for raw meat and seafood | 01-Sep-23 |
| 2a | Degradable plastics | 01-Sep-23 |
| 2b | Coffee cups and all disposable plastic cup lids | 01-Mar-24 |
| 2b | Trays for food not covered in the Stage 1 ban | 01-Mar-24 |
| 2c | Produce bags* | 01-Sep-24 |
| 2c | Lids for bowls, trays, plates and takeaway food containers | 01-Sep-24 |
| 2d | Expanded plastic packaging (moulded) | 01-Jul-25 |
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance of WA Single-Use Plastic Bans 2022-25?
Failing to comply with Western Australia’s single-use plastic bans can lead to penalties, including fines, with the amount depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. Regulatory authorities will also have the power to issue infringement notices or taking legal action against repeat offenders.
