The Stage 1 regulations came into effect on 1 January 2022, phasing out disposable unlidded bowls and takeaway food containers, cups, plates, cutlery, stirrers, straws, expanded polystyrene food containers, thick plastic bags and helium balloon releases. Stage 1 was fully implemented on 1 October 2022. All Stage 1 items are now banned, including the release of helium balloons.
Stage 2 of the WA Plan for Plastics came into effect on 27 February 2023. Stage 2 includes a second set of single-use or disposable plastic items and materials that will be phased out between 1 September 2023 and 1 July 2025. The Stage 2 regulations ban the sale and supply of:
- loose and moulded expanded polystyrene packaging
- degradable plastics (plastics designed to break up more rapidly into fragments under certain conditions).
- produce bags
- expanded polystyrene cups and food trays for raw meat and seafood
- coffee cups and lids
- lids for cups, bowls, trays, plates and takeaway food containers
- trays for takeaway food not covered in the Stage 1 ban
- cotton buds with plastic stems
- microbeads.
Stage 2 will be supported through a Plastic Free Places program delivered by the Boomerang Alliance, a supplier and retailer education and engagement program, and community education programs. More information for these programs will be provided in due course.