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Plastic free businesses

Takeaway packaging items made from single-use plastic are the most commonly found litter items on our beaches, in our local parks, streets and transport hubs. These items find their way into our waterways, causing harm to marine life and human health.

Single-use plastics banned in NSW

The Plastics and Circular Economy Act 2021 was passed in NSW Parliament meaning a phasing out of single-use plastics from June 2022. This is expected to prevent almost 2.7 billion items of plastic litter from entering our natural environment and waterways over the next 20 years!

• From 1 June 2022 lightweight plastic shopping bags will be banned.
• From 1 November 2022, the following single-use plastic items will be banned:
  • straws*, stirrers, cutlery
  • plates and bowls without spill proof lids.
  • foodware and cups made from expanded polystyrene (EPS)
  • cotton buds
  • rinse off personal care products containing plastic microbeads

This includes biodegradable plastics, compostable plastic and bioplastics of the same products. Labels on items are not proof of compliance.

*Exemptions will apply to people who rely on particular single-use plastics for disability or health needs.

Visit the NSW Government website for more information on the bans and register with the Great Plastic Rescue if you have excess stock to recycle.

Resources for businesses to reduce single-use plastic

This ban presents an excellent opportunity for organisations and consumers to reconsider our relationship to plastic and waste and say goodbye to single-use for good!

• Check out Planet Ark's Guide to 'Reduce and Recycle Plastic at Work'
• Download our tip sheet for unwrapping your business
• Confused about plastic alternatives? Download the Plastic Free Bondi Sustainable Procurement Guide
• Find heaps of tips, tricks and resources on our Sustainable Business page

Get in touch for more support to help your businesses start its plastic-free journey:

• Plastic Free Bronte
• Contact council’s Sustainable Waste team

Case study: Collaborating with local businesses to reduce plastic

Since 2016, we’ve been working with local businesses through our “Bondi Unwrapped” and “Unwrapping our Futures” programs. In collaboration with local community groups Council has been helping food outlets to reduce excess plastic packaging.

With funding from the NSW EPA, Council has been able to conduct business waste and packaging audits, and invite businesses to forums to share their knowledge.

Funding has also supported local community groups and volunteers to engage with businesses to provide free educational resources such as Procurement Guides, Staff Training Guides and promotional posters to assist businesses in becoming plastic-free, and to share their journey with their customers.