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As you may already know, Australia has been making waves in the fight against plastic pollution, showing the world that we’re serious about reducing waste, safeguarding our planet, and taking true action in response to the National Plastics Plan 2021. From the early days of banning lightweight plastic bags to today’s ambitious national targets, here’s a look at how far we’ve come and what’s on the horizon...

The Big Wins So Far

It all started with the first National Plastics Summit in 2020, a rallying cry that kickstarted sweeping changes. Fast forward to the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act of 2020, and we’ve seen significant action, like:

• Phasing out micro-beads in rinse-off cosmetics, personal care, and cleaning products.
• Introducing the National Plastics Plan 2021, which led to bans on expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging and PVC labels by the end of 2022.
• Establishing the Australasian Recycling Label, now on 80% of supermarket products, making recycling simpler for everyone.
• A solid goodbye to plastic takeaway cup lids, cutlery, straws and more for most states. 

These measures culminate in bold 2025 targets:

• 100% of packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
• Phasing out problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging entirely. Can we get a "woot woot!"

State-by-State Timeline of Plastic Bans

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• 2011: First to ban lightweight plastic bags.
• 2021-2023: Bans extended to cutlery, stirrers, straws, and plates.

New South Wales (NSW)

• 2022: Introduced bans on lightweight bags, plastic straws, cutlery, and polystyrene containers.

Northern Territory (NT)

• 2023: Joined the movement with bans on straws, cutlery, and plates.

Queensland (QLD)

• 2018-2021: Rolled out bans on lightweight plastic bags and straws.
• 2023: Further bans on plates, bowls, and takeaway containers.

South Australia (SA)

• 2009: Led the charge with the first plastic bag ban.
• 2021-2023: Prohibited cutlery, straws, and polystyrene containers.

Tasmania (TAS)

• 2013: Lightweight bag ban began.
• 2023: Tackled items like bowls, plates, and EPS packaging.

Victoria (VIC)

• 2019: Banned lightweight bags.
• 2022-2023: Expanded bans to cover straws, cutlery, and plates.

Western Australia (WA)

• 2019: Bag bans take effect.
• 2022-2023: Prohibited items include straws, cutlery, and polystyrene containers.

So, What’s Next?

Australia’s sights are set on ambitious goals. By 2030, new washing machines are expected to feature microfibre filters, reducing ocean-bound microplastics. Other milestones include continuing to phase out non-compostable plastics and achieving the National Packaging Targets. With each state tackling this piece by piece we should be seeing big milestones by early 2025, with even more bans in review. 

Why This Matters?

Australia’s leadership in plastic bans demonstrates the power of collective action. With states and territories working together, we’ve already seen a dramatic reduction in problematic plastics. But we’re not done yet—there’s more work ahead to ensure we meet our goals and protect the planet for future generations.

How You Can Make a Difference 

While Australia’s progress is inspiring, true impact starts with our daily choices. The best way to tackle plastic pollution is to reduce waste at the source—choose reusable, compostable, and plastic-free alternatives whenever possible.

When you do need to recycle, make sure it’s done right! That’s where our Ultimate Guide To Recycling Hard-to-Recycle Itmes in Australia and Recycle with Go For Zero: Accepted Items list comes in. They're your go-to resources for responsibly disposing of tricky items like soft plastics, coffee pods, and more.

Stay tuned as Australia gears up for the next chapter in its plastic-free journey! In the meantime, let’s work together to reduce waste at its source and ensure Australia hits its sustainability goals. Your small changes can lead to a big impact!

Thanks for tuning in again this week GFZ's, if you loved this week's story, theres plenty more where that came from here! Keep your eyes peeled for the next update on the Nation Plastics Plan.