QLD Plastic Ban Information
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From 1 September 2023,businesses in Queensland are no longer able to supply:
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Plastic shopping bags which do not meet new requirements |
Expanded polystyrene loose-fill packaging |
Cotton buds with plastic stems |
Plastic microbeads |
*The release of a lighter-than-air balloon will also be banned.
| WHAT IS BANNED? | WHO DOES IT APPLY TO? | HOW IS IT ENFORCED? | ||
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Some single-use plastic items have already been phased out in QLD.
From 1 July 2018, lightweight plastic shopping bags with handles and a thickness under 35 microns, including those made from compostable or biodegradable plastic, were banned.
From 1 September 2021, singleuse plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers, unenclosed bowls, plates, expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food containers and EPS cups were banned.
From 1 September 2023, plastic shopping bags which do not meet new requirements, EPS loose-fill packaging, cotton buds with plastic stems, plastic microbeads and release of a lighterthan-air balloon will be banned.
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All organisations must stop supplying banned items in Queensland. Types of organisations include:
• Retailers and service businesses (such as food outlets, supermarkets, markets, pharmacies, events, and online stores)
• Manufacturers and suppliers (such as packaging suppliers, product brands and online marketplaces)
• Not-for-profit and government organisations (such as community groups, charities, schools and other non-commercial organisations)
Balloon release restrictions will apply to all individuals.
Exemptions under previous bans do not apply to the 2023 ban.
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From 1 September 2023, banned items cannot be sold, supplied or provided free of charge, even if they were purchased before this date.
From 1 September 2023, a business may face a maximum fine of 50 penalty units for:
• supplying a banned single-use plastic item;
• providing false or misleading information about a banned plastic item.
The Queensland Government will pursue an education-first approach to support businesses to comply, however penalties may apply.
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Plastic shopping bags are defined as bags with handles, that are used to carry goods from a business or organisation. The ban does not apply to bags without handles used for produce, waste bags, nappy bags, or other types of sealed packaging such as bread bags. The new requirements do not apply to bags made of synthetic fabrics or other materials.
EXISTING REQUIREMENTS |
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NEW REQUIREMENTS |
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Lightweight plastic shopping bags were banned in QLD in 2018.
Any plastic shopping bag must be 35 microns or more in thickness to meet the existing law.
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From 1 September 2023, shopping bags made from plastic film will need to meet TWO additional requirements to be supplied in QLD. |
ALTERNATIVES TO PLASTIC BAGS
If you do need to supply shopping bags, consider what type of bag is the most sustainable option for your business based on your product type and size, and if customers are likely to reuse the bag.
• DISPOSABLE: If you supply takeaway food or drink, the bag is likely to be contaminated during use and it is unlikely to be reused long-term, so the best option may be sustainably-sourced paper. Try the Chef Link 'Uber' Bags, Self Opening Satchel Bags or Twist Handled Retail Bags.
• REUSABLE: If you supply fashion, electronics, grocery items or other goods, the best option may be charging for a welldesigned durable bag made from fabric, jute or plastic that meets the new requirements.
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COMPOSTABLE PLASTICS
Alternatives made from compostable, biodegradable, degradable, renewable, or bio-based plastics are not allowed as replacements for items in the 2023 ban. This includes plastic items with composting certifications. Certified compostable plastic shopping bags are allowed if they pass the existing thickness and reusability tests, but do not need to contain 80% recycled content if they are completely made from certified compostable plastic film. Compostable plastic items can still harm wildlife and the environment in the same way conventional plastic items do if they are littered. Most compostable plastics require extended periods of time or processing at a special composting facility in order to break down. When ordering alternatives, ask your supplier to confirm in writing that the items do not contain any form of plastic polymer, including compostable plastic or bioplastic. Logos, labelling or product claims are not proof of compliance.
CHEF LINK WILL NOT SELL ANY ITEM THAT IS BANNED
*Please Note: Whilst Chef Link will try our best to supply only eco-friendly non-banned options, our product infromation comes from our suppliers, therefore Chef Link can not be held accountable if they have been supplied with any false or misleading information.
The following items are already banned in Queensland.
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Single-use plastic straws & stirrers |
Single-use plastic cutlery |
Single-use plastic bowls & plates |
Expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers & cups |
*Some exemptions apply See 2021 information below
FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS
Free information sessions are being held online from June 2023.
These sessions are designed for all businesses (of any size or type) to receive an overview of the ban, ask questions, receive practical advice, and hear what other businesses are doing.
BANNED SINCE 2021
The supply of single-use plastic straws, stirrers, plates, bowls, cutlery and expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers and cups is banned in Queensland. The ban came into effect on 1 September 2021.
The ban is part of Queensland’s plan to tackle plastic pollution and follows strong support from the community, retailers and industry organisations.
Chef Link does NOT sell any of the banned items
you can be assured you will not be using banned products when you shop with us ♥
Watch this video to learn more about the ban.
We’re taking action to fight the growing problem of plastic waste and pollution.
From 1 September 2021 we’re banning single-use plastic straws, stirrers, plates and bowls, cutlery and expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers and cups.
The ban applies to all Queensland not-for-profit organisations and businesses. Except those businesses which are exempt so they can continue to support people with disability or healthcare needs.
Take the time now to consider if you need to replace a banned item. There are plenty of alternative items that are made from paper, bamboo and other materials.
Or you could use compostable plastic products but make sure they comply with one of these Australian Standards AS 4736-2006 or AS5810-2010.
To find out more visit the website.
Authorised by the Queensland Government Brisbane.
View and Print the Plastic Band Fact Sheet
View the Full Act:
Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Act 2021
This is the Act as passed by Parliament (accessed 1 October 2021 at 13:09)
Banned Items |
Non-Banned Alternatives |
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| Plastic straws | Paper Straws |
| Plastic stirrers | Wood and *Approved PLA Stirreres |
| Plastic cutlery including chopsticks | Wooden and *Appproved PLA Cutlery |
| Plastic plates and bowls | Paper, Palm leaf, Sugarcane and Plant fibre Plates and Bowls (please note: a bowl is not banned if it has a lid! This includes Sunbowls for ramen) |
| *Foam cups | Paper, PET and Approved PLA Cups |
| *Foam Containers | PET, PLA, Bamboo and Kraft Containers Or Paper Wrap and Paper Bags |
| *Foam Clams | Compostable Sugarcane and Kraft Clamshells Or Paper Wrap and Paper Bags |
EXEMPTIONS: Hospitals, Medical Facilites, Aged care and disability sectors are exempt from the ban. As are straws attached to juice boxes, forks included in pre-packed salads, spoons attached to yoghurt containers, and plates forming part of a frozen meal.
*Foam = made in whole or part of expanded polystyrene EPS
*Approved PLA= Must have either of the Australian standard compostable certificates (see image)
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