NSW Parliament has passed plastics reforms that will require recyclable takeaway coffee cups and greater use of reusables, alongside changes to condiment packaging and fruit and vegetable stickers.
The reforms form part of NSW Plastics Plan 2.0 and will be introduced progressively, with the government promising education, guidance and transition time to help businesses prepare.
The programme includes phase-outs of items such as plastic bread tags, balloon sticks, microbeads and lollipop sticks. According to the NSW Government, more than 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste is sent to the state’s landfills each year.
Announcing the changes, NSW environment minister Penny Sharpe said: “The legislation we’ve just passed contains the biggest reforms of problematic plastics in a generation and has been designed in partnership with businesses and industries to support a smooth transition to reusable alternatives.”
Cup changes from 2028
From 2028, single-use takeaway coffee cups will need to be recyclable. Cafés will also need to offer a mug or glass for customers dining in and accept clean, hygienic reusable cups for takeaway beverages.
The government says takeaway coffee cups are not being banned. The changes are intended to improve their recyclability and make it easier for customers to choose reusable options.
Nearly 800 million single-use cups are used in NSW each year, according to the government, with most discarded after only a few minutes of use.
Reusable cup borrowing schemes will also be introduced, although participation will not be mandatory for small businesses.
Government reuse trials are expected to begin as early as 2027. Government-owned venues, including stadiums and office buildings, will offer drinks and takeaway food in reusable packaging designed to be returned, washed and used again.
The government points to existing reuse systems at Barangaroo, festivals and stadiums as examples of these models in practice.
Packaging changes by 2030
Soy sauce fish containers will need to be recyclable and fruit and vegetable stickers will need to transition to compostable alternatives by 2030.
The legislation also introduces a ban on the intentional release of lighter-than-air balloons, including helium balloons.
The government says implementation will be staged to give businesses time to identify practical, affordable ways to comply, recognising the pressures facing small operators.
It will continue working with industry on education and guidance before the changes take effect. The NSW EPA has previously granted businesses extensions during the introduction of other plastic phase-outs, including plastic bags and straws.
