The Circular Economy Act 2023 bans the supply of certain single-use plastic items. It also establishes a framework for banning more items in the future. The ban applies to all businesses, suppliers, community organisations, events and institutions.

The following single-use plastic items are banned in the ACT:

Since 2011:

• Single-use plastic shopping bags at or below 35 micrometres in thickness

From 1 July 2021:

• single-use plastic cutlery
• single-use plastic stirrers
• expanded polystyrene takeaway food and beverage containers.

From 1 July 2022:

• single-use plastic straws (with exemptions for those who need them)
• cotton buds with plastic sticks
• all oxo-degradable plastics. These plastics contain additives which cause them to break down into harmful microplastics. They are often used in products like dog waste bags and rubbish bags, and can be labelled as degradable.

From 1 July 2023 :

From 1 January 2024

Single-use plastics are designed to be used once then discarded. They often end up in landfill as they cannot be recycled.

Plastic items can take hundreds of years to break down. When littered, they can damage our beautiful landscape and waterways.

No. Cleaning reusable items through normal food safety practices mitigates the risk of COVID-19.

More information can be found at covid19.act.gov.au or through the national COVID-19 helpline on 1800 020 080.

While residents won’t be able to buy the items in the ACT, they can use up any items they still have at home. Examples include a family picnic or in school lunchboxes.

Please visit the alternative items for more information.

There are numerous possible ways for businesses to save costs and also reduce your environmental impact.

Offer items on request, for example:

• ask customers if they need cutlery for takeaway meals. Customers may not need disposable cutlery if they are eating at home or in the office
• ask customers if they need a straw. Straws may not be necessary for some beverages
• ask customers if they need a bag. Bags may not be necessary for all orders.

Offer reusables, for example:

• for sit-in customers, offer washable, reusable alternatives
• offer loyalty points for customers who bring their own reusable items.

Ask your supplier if the items ordered meet the requirements of the ACT’s legislation.

Also ask if the items contain any bioplastics, glues and/or other additives/bonding agents. If the answer is yes, do not buy these as they are also banned.

Bioplastics (such as PLA) are made from plant-based resources instead of fossil fuels. They look and feel like regular plastic, cause the same environmental harm as conventional plastic, and many types cannot be recycled in ACT recycling bins.

If littered, they will cause the same environmental damage as regular plastic.

Call the single-use plastics hotline on 1800 844 946.

No. Businesses, community organisations and institutions cannot supply banned items to customers. This includes any items purchased before the ban.

Single-use plastic items banned in the ACT cannot be recycled due to their shape, size or type of plastic.

Some of the ways to use up existing stock include:

• Speak with your supplier and ask if you can swap the items for compliant items
• If you have stores in other states, see if you can move the items to a state where the items are currently not banned
• Take home as the items can still be used in domestic settings .