Problematic single-use plastic items have been phased out in Queensland
The Queensland Government has implemented bans and other measures to help minimise waste and protect our environment. The National Retail Association has been engaged to help businesses learn more about these initiatives and how to move towards more sustainable choices.
From 1 September 2023, businesses in Queensland are no longer able to supply:
Plastic shopping bags which do not meet new requirements
Expanded polystyrene loose-fill packaging
Cotton buds with plastic stems
Plastic microbeads
The release of a lighter-than-air balloon is also banned.
The following items were banned in September 2021.
Single-use plastic straws & stirrers
Single-use plastic cutlery
Single-use plastic bowls & plates
Expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers & cups
Single-use plastic straws, utensils, plates and unlidded bowls have been banned in Queensland from 1 September 2021.
A time-limited exemption was provided for integrated or attached items within shelf-ready or pre-packaged products, such as plastic straws attached to juice boxes and plastic spoons within yoghurt tubs. Most of these items have now been removed or replaced by plastic-free alternatives.
Businesses are reminded that the exemption for integrated or attached items within shelf-ready or pre-packaged products ends on 31 December 2025.
Report a Banned Item
Previous bans are now in effect, and any person can report a suspected breach of the law.
First, please check which items are banned, and offences under the law here.
To make a report, please call 1800 844 946 or fill in the form below.
The National Retail Association team visited thousands of retailers across the state during 2023.
Check out what other retailers are doing to comply with the ban.
