Single Use Plastic Cups Are Now Officially Banned In WA

Alert for all you iced latte guys and girlies: single use cold beverage plastic cups are officially banned in WA!

Coming into effect over the weekend, the ban completes the first stage of the state’s Plan for Plastics.

Since July, nine plastic single use items have been phased out, including plates, cutlery, drink stirrers, drinking straws, thick plastic bags, expanded polystyrene food containers, helium balloon releases and unlidded containers.

Disposable options will still be available, with certified compostable cups an alternative that has already been widely adopted by businesses.

This first stage of the Plan for Plastics are estimated to eliminate a whopping 300 million plastic straws, 50 million pieces of plastic cutlery and over 110 million thick plastic shopping bags from landfill. Of the single use plastics that are included in the ban, plastic cold drink cups account for a huge 40 per cent, with an estimated 181 million to be saved from landfill.

“It’s great to see Western Australians embrace the first stage of our Plan for Plastics, and many businesses have already completed the transition,” Environment Minister Reece Whitby said in a statement.

“This is another positive step in reducing our impact on the environment, which has the public’s overwhelming support.

“We can be proud that our State continues to lead the way in tackling single-use plastics.”

Importantly, those who require items such as plastic straws and cups to maintain their quality of life – particularly those in the disability, aged care and health sectors – will still have access to a continued supply.

The second stage of the Plan for Plastic is scheduled to be introduced in February of 2023, and amongst other items, will include single-use plastic takeaway coffee cups. Still in its consultation stage, you can have your say on Stage 2 via the Plan for Plastics website until November 18, 2022.

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