Caretaker

On 13 September 2024, the ACT Government assumed a caretaker role, with an election to be held 19 October 2024. Information on this website will be published in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions until after the election and conclusion of the caretaker period.

Single-use plastics


Single-use plastics ban: Plastic waste sorted

Single-use plastic items are designed to be used once and then thrown away. They are seen as cheap and convenient but they are bad for the environment and problematic in our waste management systems.

Canberrans have embraced action on single-use plastics, with many items already banned across 3 tranches.

  • single-use plastic plates and bowls (including plastic-lined plates and bowls from 1 November 2024)
  • heavyweight and boutique plastic bags. The ban applies to all plastic shopping bags with handles, regardless of thickness.
  • expanded polystyrene loose fill packaging and expanded polystyrene trays
  • plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care and cleaning products
  • single-use plastic straws (with exemptions for those who need them due to a disability or health need)
  • cotton buds with plastic sticks
  • all oxo-degradable plastics. These contain additives that cause them to break down into microplastics which are harmful to the environment. They are often used in products like dog waste bags and rubbish bags and can be labelled as degradable.
  • single-use plastic cutlery
  • single-use plastic stirrers
  • expanded polystyrene takeaway food and beverage containers
Bioplastics alternatives are also banned

Bioplastics are a type of plastic made from plant-based resources instead of crude oil. They too can cause the damage to the environment if littered.

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