Single-use plastic items ban

Queensland has banned the supply of a number of single-use plastic items, under Queensland's Plastic Pollution Reduction Plan. The bans follow strong support from the community, retailers and industry organisations.

Banned items

Items currently banned are:

  • single-use plastic straws
  • single-use plastic stirrers
  • single-use plastic plates and unenclosed bowls
  • single-use plastic cutlery
  • single-use expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food containers and EPS cups
  • cotton buds with plastic stems
  • EPS loose ('peanut') packaging
  • plastic microbeads in rinseable personal care and cleaning products.

Helium balloon releases

The outdoor release of lighter-than-air (for example, helium) balloons is also banned. You can still sell, buy, supply or use these balloons but must ensure as they don't escape into the environment.

Shopping bags

Shopping bags made from plastic film must be:

  • 35 microns or more in thickness
  • made from a minimum of 80% recycled content verified by a recognised program or certification
  • durable and big enough to carry 10kgs of weight for at least 125 uses verified by a recognised reusability, durability, or endurance test.

Learn more about the single-use plastic items ban, and what you need to know as a retailer.

Preparing your business

If you own or operate a business that uses banned items, you cannot provide banned items to your customers – whether you are selling these or not.

If you are a supplier, distributor or wholesaler of banned items, you may continue to supply to a business if you have a reasonable belief they are an exempt business.

Read more about how the ban is being enforced.

Exemptions

Banned itemExemptions
  • single-use plastic straws
  • single-use plastic stirrers
  • single-use plastic plates and unenclosed bowls
  • single-use plastic cutlery
  • single-use expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food containers and EPS cups

If used by:

  • clinics or facilities that provide care to persons with disability or healthcare needs
  • hospitals
  • dental clinics
  • medical clinics
  • pharmacies
  • aged care facilities
  • medical suppliers
Cotton buds with plastic stems
  • Cotton bud sticks used for scientific, medical, or forensic testing
  • Cotton buds or swabs that make up part of a testing kit (e.g. rapid antigen tests, or tests by vets, even if sold at a retailer)
Releasing lighter-than-air balloonsRelease is allowed for scientific research (e.g. meteorology)

What your business can do now

As a business owner/operator, firstly identify if you have banned items or items that may be identified for a future ban, and if so, find out what are suitable alternatives. If you have excess stock, you may also wish to contact your supplier to find out about their returns policy.

The Queensland Government, in partnership with the National Retail Association (NRA), is working with retailers and suppliers to ensure they understand and comply with the single-use plastic items ban, including options to manage excess stock.

Visit the Queensland single-use plastic items ban website for more information or phone 1800 844 946.

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