New South Wales Passes Legislation to Phase Out Single-Use Plastics and Address Microplastics

The New South Wales Government has passed new legislative reforms under its NSW Plastics Plan 2.0 aimed at phasing out various single-use plastics, increasing recyclability, and addressing plastic pollution across the state.

Under the reforms, several plastic items—including plastic bread tags, balloon sticks, microbeads, and lollipop sticks—will face phased bans. Additionally, the intentional release of lighter-than-air helium balloons is subject to an immediate ban to mitigate threats to birds and marine wildlife.

Further requirements will take effect over a longer timeline. By 2028, single-use takeaway coffee cups will be required to be recyclable, though the cups themselves are not being banned. Starting the same year, cafes will be required to provide mugs or glasses to dine-in customers rather than disposable cups, and to accept clean reusable cups for takeaway orders. Voluntary reusable cup borrowing programs will also be introduced, though they will remain optional for small businesses.

By 2030, soy sauce fish containers must be recyclable, and fruit and vegetable stickers must transition to compostable alternatives.

According to the NSW Government, more than 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste are sent to landfills in the state annually, and approximately 800 million single-use cups are discarded each year. The government noted that rising levels of microplastics pose health and environmental concerns.

To prepare for broader reuse models, the state plans to launch trials starting next year, testing reusable food and beverage packaging systems in government-owned venues such as stadiums and office buildings. Similar systems have already been utilized at Barangaroo, selected festivals, and certain sporting venues.

NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe stated that the measures represent significant reforms designed alongside industry stakeholders to allow for a manageable transition to reusable alternatives. The government indicated that the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will provide guidance and support, noting that implementation timelines have been staged to accommodate small business compliance.

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