Queensland’s Single Use Plastics Ban - effective 1 September 2023

The ban on the supply of singleuse plastic straws, stirrers, plates, unenclosed bowls, and cutlery, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food containers and EPS cups started in Queensland on 1 September 2021.

Expanding the ban

Community, industry and business consultation has shown strong support to expand the ban of single-use plastics.

As a result, the Queensland Government is planning to ban the following single-use plastic items from 1 September 2023:

• cotton buds with plastic stems

• expanded polystyrene loose packaging

• plastic microbeads in rinseable personal care and cleaning products

• heavy weight plastic shopping bags

• the mass release of lighter than air balloons.

In addition, a mandate on minimum reusability standards for heavyweight plastic shopping bags will be introduced at the same time.

A proposed five-year roadmap has been prepared to show how the Queensland Government plans to continue to consult with suppliers, manufacturers and businesses on the inclusion of additional single-use plastic items in the ban, including single-use takeaway coffee cups and lids.

This will provide industry and businesses with an opportunity to provide feedback regarding supply chain challenges, sourcing suitable alternatives and timeframes, and preparing for future actions.

Preparing your business

If your business uses banned items (e.g. restaurants, cafes, takeaway food shops, party suppliers, supermarkets), you will not be able to provide these to your customers after the ban commences.

If you are a supplier, distributor or wholesaler of banned items, you may continue to supply to a business if you have a reasonable belief they are an exempt business.

Read more about how the ban is being enforced at visit www.qld.gov.au/environment/ management/waste/recovery/reduction/plasticpollution/single-use-plastic-products-ban/ enforcement .