Queensland's single use plastic status

Over the next 5 years, the Queensland Government will implement bans and other measures to help minimise waste and protect our environment. 

These single-use plastics are already banned in Queensland

✅ banned since September 2023

• Plastic-stemmed cotton buds
• Expanded polystyrene loose packaging (e.g., packing peanuts)
• Plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care and cleaning products
• Single-use heavyweight plastic shopping bags (e.g., department store bags)
• Mass release of lighter-than-air balloon

From 1 September 2023, banned items cannot be sold, supplied or provided free of charge, even if they were purchased before this date and businesses may face a maximum fine for:

• supplying a banned single-use plastic item; 
• providing false or misleading information about a banned plastic item. 

While the Queensland Government is taking an education-first approach to support businesses to comply, penalties may apply.

✅ banned since September 2021

The following items are prohibited across all Queensland businesses, including cafes, restaurants, and retailers:

• Plastic straws (including flexible and cocktail straws)
• Plastic stirrers
• Plastic cutlery (e.g., knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks)
• Plastic plates and unenclosed bowls
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food containers and cups

Note: Exemptions apply for individuals with disabilities or medical needs.

✅ banned since July 2018

• lightweight plastic shopping bags with handles and a thickness under 35 microns, including those made from compostable or biodegradable plastic, were banned in 2018.

Business helpline

Businesses with an ususual question about the single-use plastics ban, can call the National Retail Association for advice on 1800 844 946.

Report a breach 

If you suspect a plastic law breach, you can report it

1. check which items are banned, and offences under the law  here
2. to make a report, call 1800 844 946 or fill in the form Submit a report

🔍 Future considerations 

Further bans have not yet been announced, as the Queensland Government is working with the Commonwealth Government and other jurisdictions for greater harmonisation of actions on problematic plastic.

The National Retail Association is working closely with Queensland Government who has confirmed that public consultation is a requirement prior to the commencement of further bans. Updates about this consultation process will be provided when available on this website.

Businesses seeking to be proactive are recommended to phase out unnecessary single-use plastics where possible.

Items identified for review 

• Takeaway coffee cups and lids
• Plastic drinking cups
• Oxo-degradable plastics (e.g., magazine wraps)
• Expanded polystyrene trays (e.g., for meat and produce)
• Single-use produce bags
• Balloon sticks and closures
• Bread bag tags
• Corflute tree guards
• Bait bags
• Plastic dome lids (e.g., for milkshakes)
• Plastic wrapping on magazines
• Takeaway containers
• Sauce sachets (e.g., tomato, tartare)

Status: Subject to environmental impact assessments and stakeholder consultations.

🏛️ Legislative Framework

The bans are legislated under:

• Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011
• Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020

These laws empower the government to prohibit specific plastic items and establish enforcement mechanisms.

📊 Enforcement and Compliance

• Maximum penalty for non-compliance: $7,740
• Focus remains on education and collaboration
• The National Retail Association (NRA) has:
  • conducted over 20,000 business visits
  • performed 4,000 spot checks
• No fines issued to date, with authorities prioritising support for business transitions.

🌏 Alignment with National Strategies

Queensland’s roadmap is aligned with national efforts to reduce plastic pollution through:

• Collaboration with federal and state governments
• Harmonization of definitions, banned items, and timelines
• Ensuring consistency for businesses and consumers