The NSW State Government have released their “Plastic Plan 2.0”, drawing on the feedback from their 2024 consultation on regulations. Below are the proposed regulations the NSW State Government are looking to take action on in 2026, with implementation from 2026-2030.
Recyclability:
Single-use plastic cups, food containers (including lids), single serve condiment packages to be redesigned for recyclability. This in contradiction to SA/WA regulations which are focussed on compostable solutions.
Note, any product with plastic lining (such as coffee cups) is considered a plastic product.
Labelling:
Requirement for labelling on product that discourages littering and promotes correct disposal of single use packaging by no later than January 2030 (24 month transition from regulation announcement).
Reusable Cups
> PHASE 1
Takeaway food services businesses required to accept reusable cups provided by customers for takeaway beverages by 1st January 2028.
> PHASE 2
Takeaway food service businesses to offer a reusable cup option as part of a reuse system by December 2030.
Condiment Packaging
Single-serve condiment packaging to shift to “circular solutions” (i.e. recyclable or reusable packaging) by January 2030.
Bread Tag Ban
Plastic tags used to seal bread bags to be phased out from late 2027. It is unclear if this relates only to the “Kwik-Lock” style tags or will be broader in its interpretation to include plastic twist ties.
