SA’s ban came into effect yesterday. Credit: Pixel-Shot via Shutterstock.

The Government of South Australia (SA) has enacted a new ban on a range of single-use plastics, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to reduce plastic waste.  

The ban, which came into effect yesterday (1 September), targets items such as plastic bags, polystyrene (PS) containers, cups, and plastic confetti.  

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Starting from 1 September 2025, SA will also ban non-compostable fruit and vegetable stickers, soy sauce fish containers, and straws and cutlery attached to food or drink items.  

These measures require the industry to invest time in designing new, sustainable product formats and finding alternative solutions.  

The state has been progressively banning plastic products annually since 2021. 

Across Australia, state and territorial governments are implementing gradual phase-outs of harmful plastic products.  

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Western Australia’s (WA) ban, which also came into effect yesterday, is part of the second stage of a phased plan it initiated in 2022.  

The latest items to be prohibited in WA include thin plastic bags used for fruit and vegetables and plastic lids for takeaway containers.  

From 1 July 2025, the WA ban will extend to expanded packaging materials such as Styrofoam-like moulds used in appliance packaging.  

Most of the country has already banned plastic utensils, PS cups, and lightweight plastic bags. 

In addition to these bans, Australian state governments have committed to introducing regulations for recyclable packaging by 2025.  

Last week, the Australian national government announced a A$15.6m ($10.5m) investment to enhance soft plastics recycling in the state of Victoria.