As of 1 June 2022, lightweight plastic shopping bags are now banned in NSW.
The NSW government has implemented their first ban in a series of single-use plastic phase outs. Single use plastic items and packaging make up 60% of all litter in NSW.
There will also be more items banned from 1 November 2022. These items are single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls, and cotton buds, expanded polystyrene food ware and cups, and rinse-off personal care products containing plastic microbeads.
Residents are encouraged to swap single-use plastic items for reusable and sustainable alternatives to help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfill, or as litter in our environment.
Swap alternatives can include:
From 1 November 2022, plastic items that are added to the banned list cannot be sold or given away for free. Businesses and organisations are expected to be involved and adhere to guidelines set by the NSW State Government.
For more information you can visit here.