To help address plastic waste, a number of Australian states and territories have implemented or are considering bans to stop the supply of certain problematic plastics, such as single-use plastics.

The bans cover a range of plastic items including:

• plastic straws
• plastic cutlery
• plastic stirrers
• plastic plates/bowls
• plastic cups
• plastic-lined coffee cups
• plastic takeaway containers
• degradable / oxo-degradable plastics
• balloons

Failure to comply with these rules by continuing to supply these items may result in penalties being applied by the relevant authority. 

The National Retailers Association (NRA) has developed  a useful summary of all plastic bans in Australia and New Zealand and is assisting in the roll out of these changes.  

Sellers can participate in free information sessions or contact the NRA direct to find out more on how these changes affect  their operations: 

• Free information sessions
• NRA’s Plastic Ban Tollfree hotline: 1800 844 946 or email sustainability@nra.net.au