Some single-use plastic items have already been phased out in QLD.
- From 1 July 2018, lightweight plastic shopping bags with handles and a thickness under 35 microns, including those made from compostable or biodegradable plastic, were banned.
- From 1 September 2021, single-use plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers, unenclosed bowls, plates, expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food containers and EPS cups were banned.
- From 1 September 2023, plastic shopping bags which do not meet new requirements, EPS loose-fill packaging, cotton buds with plastic stems, plastic microbeads and release of a lighter-than-air balloon will be banned.
Only the following were exempt organisations and can continue to supply the items which were banned in 2021:
- clinics or facilities that provide care to persons with a disability or healthcare needs
- hospitals
- dental clinics
- medical clinics
- pharmacies
- aged care facilities
- medical suppliers
- manufacturers / distributors which supply to these organisations.
Some limited exemptions apply under the 2023 ban, please see each item for any applicable exemption.
