Bioplastics
Bioplastics are not recyclable in the ACT.
Bioplastics are made from plant or other biological material instead of petroleum. Products made from bioplastic have increased in popularity as a compostable alternative to traditional plastics. Though they are made from renewable sources, they are still single-use items that must be disposed of correctly to avoid contaminating other waste streams. Do not put compostable bioplastics in ACT recycling bins or green waste garden organics bins.
All single-use plastic cutlery and stirrers (including bioplastic cutlery and stirrers) are prohibited from sale, supply or distribution in the ACT as of 1 July 2021. Visit the single-use plastics website to find out more.
Disposal options
- Avoid using all single-use products where possible
- Rubbish bin
- Businesses, check with your commercial composting contractor to see if they accept these products
Why?
Though made from renewable sources, bioplastics are still single-use items that must be disposed of correctly to avoid contaminating other waste streams. Compostable bioplastics can only be composted in certain industrial composting facilities, not in home composting bins.