Australia — single-use plastic bans
Single-Use Plastic Ban Australia: Which Plates Are Allowed in Each State
Every Australian state except Tasmania, plus the ACT, has banned single-use plastic plates. NSW, Victoria and Western Australia also ban plates made from compostable or bioplastic, and the Northern Territory has committed to phase-outs. Plates made of natural plant material, such as palm leaf, wood, bamboo or unlined paper, are not plastic, so they fall outside these bans.
Plastic Plate Bans by State and Territory
| State or territory | Plastic plates banned from | Compostable or bioplastic plates | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | 1 September 2021 | Alternatives containing compostable plastic must meet AS 4736 or AS 5810 | Queensland Government |
| Western Australia | 1 July 2022 (supply) | Disposable plates made wholly, partly or lined with plastic are banned | WA Plan for Plastics |
| New South Wales | 1 November 2022 | Banned, including AS-certified compostable plastic | NSW EPA |
| Victoria | 1 February 2023 | Banned, including compostable and bioplastics | Victorian Government |
| ACT | 1 July 2023 | Covered by the Plastic Reduction Act 2021 | ACT Government |
| South Australia | 1 September 2023 | Single-use plastic plates banned | Replace the Waste SA |
| Tasmania | Not yet; legislation being developed | Plates are on the list being considered | NRE Tasmania |
| Northern Territory | Committed under its Circular Economy Strategy | Check the NT EPA for current status | NT Government |
Summary as of October 2026 from each government’s published guidance. Rules change, so check the regulator in your state before buying stock.
Which Plates Are Allowed
The bans target plastic, whatever it is made from. A plate labelled compostable, plant-based or bio can still be plastic, and in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia that makes it a banned item. Natural-material plates are different: they contain no plastic at all.
Palm leaf plates are pressed from fallen areca palm leaf sheaths with heat and water only. There is no plastic, coating or liner, so they are outside every state ban. The NSW EPA names palm leaves among acceptable alternatives to plastic plates. Other plastic-free options include wood, bamboo, unlined paper and bagasse. Check paper and bagasse products for a plastic lining or coating.
Official Sources
Questions Australian Buyers Ask
Are single-use plastics banned in Australia?
There is no single national ban. Each state and territory makes its own laws. Single-use plastic plates are now banned in Queensland, Western Australia, NSW, Victoria, the ACT and South Australia. Tasmania is developing legislation and the Northern Territory has committed to phase-outs.
What plates are allowed under the plastic ban in Australia?
Plates with no plastic in them: palm leaf, wood, bamboo, unlined paper and plastic-free bagasse, plus reusable plates. In NSW, Victoria and Western Australia, plates made from compostable plastic or bioplastic are banned too.
Are compostable plastic plates banned?
In NSW they are banned even when certified compostable to AS 4736 or AS 5810. Victoria's ban covers compostable plastics and bioplastics, and Western Australia bans plates made wholly, partly or lined with plastic. Queensland allows alternatives containing compostable plastic only if they meet the Australian standards.
What plastics are banned in NSW?
From 1 November 2022, NSW banned single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates and bowls (except bowls with a spill-proof lid), cotton buds and expanded polystyrene food ware, including versions made from biodegradable, compostable or bioplastic.
When did the plastic plate ban start in each state?
Queensland on 1 September 2021, Western Australia on 1 July 2022, NSW on 1 November 2022, Victoria on 1 February 2023, the ACT on 1 July 2023 and South Australia on 1 September 2023. Tasmania and the Northern Territory have not yet banned them.
Are palm leaf plates allowed under the plastic ban?
Yes. Palm leaf plates are pressed from fallen areca palm leaf sheaths with heat and water only. They contain no plastic, coating or liner, so they are outside every Australian state ban.
Are paper plates allowed?
Unlined paper plates are allowed. Paper plates with a plastic lining or coating can be caught by the bans; NSW has given a time-limited exemption for plastic-lined paper plates and bowls, so check the current position with the NSW EPA.
What counts as a single-use plastic?
A plastic item designed to be used once and then thrown away, such as plates, cutlery and straws. Under the NSW and Victorian rules this includes items made from biodegradable or compostable plastic and bioplastic.
Is Tasmania banning single-use plastic plates?
Tasmania is developing legislation to phase out problematic single-use plastics, and plates are on the list being considered. Check NRE Tasmania for the current timetable.
Who does the plastic ban apply to?
Businesses and organisations that sell or supply the banned items, including retailers, caterers, wholesalers, manufacturers and community groups. Individuals using plastic plates at home are not fined.
What are the best alternatives to plastic plates for events and catering?
Reusable plates first where washing is possible. For disposables, palm leaf plates are rigid, handle hot and cold food, and are made for single use and composting. Bagasse and unlined paper are lighter options; check them for plastic linings.
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