Single-use plastic items ban

There are bans on the supply of a number of single-use plastic items in Queensland. These followed support from the community, retailers and industry organisations.

Banned items

Items 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 micrometres 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.

Information for your business

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

Find out about suitable alternatives to banned items.

The Queensland Government, in partnership with the Australian Retail Council (ARC), is working with retailers and suppliers to support compliance with the single-use plastic items ban.

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

Also consider...