The phase-out of problematic plastic waste and the transition toward a circular economy are in the pipeline with changes taking effect from June this year.
The NSW Government is introducing legislation banning the use of single-use plastics to address the problem of plastic waste, which starts with lightweight plastic bags, rolling out from 1 June 2022.
The supply of lightweight plastic bags
From 1 June, lightweight plastic bags that are 35 microns or less thick will no longer be supplied, including those made from biodegradable, compostable and bio-plastics.
The ban will not apply to:
- barrier bags such as bin liners, human or animal waste bags
- produce and deli bags
- bags containing medical items
This ban aims to help NSW transition to a circular economy that prioritises re-using and recycling resources to eliminate waste.
Further single-use plastic bans will continue from 1 November 2022.