NSW Government Passes Legislation to Phase Out Single-Use Plastics and Regulate Disposable Cups

The Minns Labor Government in New South Wales has passed new legislative reforms aimed at reducing plastic waste, restricting microplastics, and phasing out various single-use plastic items under the NSW Plastics Plan 2.0.

According to the NSW Government, more than 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste are sent to landfills across the state each year, contributing to increasing plastic levels in waterways. The newly passed reforms outline a staged schedule of bans, recyclability requirements, and reuse initiatives.

Under the new measures, items such as plastic bread tags, balloon sticks, microbeads, and lollipop sticks will face phased phase-outs. The legislation also introduces an immediate ban on the intentional release of lighter-than-air helium balloons to prevent pollution and protect wildlife. By 2030, soy sauce fish containers will be required to be recyclable, and fruit and vegetable stickers must transition to compostable materials.

The reforms also address single-use coffee cups, with government estimates indicating that nearly 800 million single-use cups are used annually in NSW. While takeaway coffee cups will not be banned, the legislation mandates that single-use takeaway cups must be recyclable starting in 2028. From that same year, cafes will be required to provide mugs or glassware for dine-in customers rather than disposable cups, and businesses will be required to accept clean, hygienic reusable cups for takeaway orders.

Additionally, the state plans to introduce voluntary reusable cup lending schemes, which will not be mandatory for small businesses. Reuse trials are scheduled to begin as early as next year in government-owned venues, including office buildings and stadiums, where food and drinks will be served in reusable, returnable packaging.

NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe stated that the legislation was developed in consultation with industry to provide businesses time to adapt. The government noted that the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will provide guidance and support throughout the phased rollout, citing previous transitional extensions granted during phase-outs of items such as plastic bags and straws.

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