Given that over half of all plastic waste in Australia is generated by businesses, the news that NSW’s single-use plastic bag ban comes into effect from June 1 must come as a relief for anyone concerned with our impact on the environment.

The end of single-use plastic bags

While single-use plastic may be cheap and convenient, the impact on the environment is long-lasting. Plastic packaging breaks down into microplastics which can be devastating to the health of humans and natural environments. To reduce the amount of plastic being dumped in landfills, the government has introduced legislation to enable the phasing out of some of the most littered plastic waste. First on the hit list is the plastic bag.

NSW minister for environment James Griffin said the lightweight plastic bag ban is just the beginning of plastic items that will be given the boot

“I think all of us can see the impact plastic pollution has on our environment, which is why we’re making major changes in NSW this year,” Griffin said.

“The ban on lightweight single-use bags comes into place from 1 June, and then from November, we’re banning more problematic plastics, such as cutlery and plates.

“Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter or going into landfills,” Griffin said.

Time to make the switch

By enacting the ban, it’s estimated that NSW will prevent almost 2.7 billion plastic items from entering landfills over the next twenty years. Many businesses and households have already taken voluntary action to avoid single-use plastics.  While some major retailers have shifted away from single-use plastic items, it is now small businesses’ turn.

“We each have the power to make a positive environmental change at an individual level, and I encourage everyone to choose to go plastic-free as often as they can,” said Griffin.

What else will be banned?

In November, the NSW Government passed the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 and introduced the Plastics Action Plan launch last year. Items on the hot list include:

• single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls and cotton buds
• expanded polystyrene food ware and cups
• rinse-off personal care products containing plastic microbeads.

So-called “compostable” and “bioplastic” alternatives to the above items are also banned. Why? They don’t biodegrade unless they’re treated in an industrial composting facility, creating just as much of a problem as conventional plastic.

Support for businesses to transition

To ensure small businesses are ready for the changes this year, the NSW Government will be working with businesses and retail associations to help with the transition.

“Through the NRA, we’re running a retailer education campaign, conducting store visits, and providing online webinars and resources to help businesses adjust away from single-use plastics.”

The NRA has launched a free hotline (1800 844 946) to offer businesses, community organisations and consumers advice on the single-use plastic bans.

Preparing for the single-use plastic ban

The NSW government says businesses should stop ordering banned items now and use up any existing stock to prepare for the ban. It’s important to note that from June 1, you can no longer continue to supply single-use plastic – even if you purchased it before those dates.

If you have significant stock on hand, it could be worthwhile to speak to your suppliers as they may accept returns or exchanges. If you operate your business in more than one state, transfer excess stock to another state (however, be aware of similar bans in other states).

Keep your customers in the loop

Your customers may not be aware of the upcoming ban – so prepare your staff to answer questions and keep customers informed.

It’s recommended that all businesses display signage well ahead of the ban, so customers have time to adjust. Signage (including translated signage) can be found on this resources page.

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