Plastic Barrier Bags: New Requirements and Phasing Out in Western Australia
Western Australia (WA) is implementing significant changes to the use of plastic barrier bags, aiming to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable packaging alternatives. These new requirements, introduced progressively from 2024, focus on phasing out conventional plastic produce and barrier bags and mandating strict design standards for compostable alternatives. This article explores the key changes, ban timeline, exemptions, and mandatory design standards that businesses and customers need to be aware of. These changes will directly impact Western Australians, who play a crucial role in supporting the transition to sustainable packaging and reducing soft plastics in their communities.
New Requirements for Barrier Bags in WA
Plastic barrier bags, widely used for packaging loose fruit, vegetables, dry goods, and wet proteins such as unpackaged meat, seafood, and dairy products, are being targeted for phase-out across WA. These bags are typically made from soft plastics such as LDPE or HDPE material, which present significant recycling challenges due to their composition and contamination issues. The government’s initiative focuses on cutting down plastic waste by encouraging the adoption of certified compostable barrier bags that comply with a new design standard. This approach ensures that only compliant, clearly labelled compostable bags remain on the market, helping to improve recycling processes and reduce environmental impact.
The shift affects a broad range of plastic bags, including plastic shopping bags, produce bags, freezer bags, and even some paper bags that contain plastic linings or windows. The goal is to eliminate lightweight plastic shopping bags and non-compostable barrier bags that contribute to pollution and pose a safety risk to wildlife and the environment. Businesses must adapt their packaging choices, such as switching to compostable or certified barrier bags, to comply with the new regulations and demonstrate environmental responsibility.
Ban Timeline
The phase-out of plastic barrier bags in WA is scheduled in stages to give businesses and consumers time to adapt:
From 1 September 2024: Non-compostable plastic produce bags used for loose fresh fruit and vegetables will be banned. This initial step targets everyday plastic bags often used by shoppers for fresh produce.
From 1 October 2025: The ban expands to include plastic bags that do not meet the new design standard for loose fruit, vegetables, and dry foods such as flour, loose dry nuts, cereals, and coffee beans. Notably, baked goods such as bread rolls and bread bags are excluded from this ban.
From 1 October 2026: The restrictions will cover plastic bags that fail to meet the design standard for wet proteins, including unpackaged meat, seafood, and dairy products. This final phase ensures that all food-related plastic barrier bags are either compostable or phased out.
Recyclable plastic containers and trays made from materials like polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are not included in the ban, provided they can be processed in kerbside recycling systems.
Disposable alternatives such as compostable or biodegradable single-use bags are being promoted to replace traditional plastic barrier bags.
It is important to note that the term “plastic” in these regulations includes paper bags with plastic windows or polymer linings. Additionally, lightweight plastic shopping bags with handles have already been banned in WA since 1 July 2022 as part of earlier efforts to reduce single-use plastics.
What Is Not Banned?
Despite the comprehensive ban on many plastic barrier bags, several types of bags and packaging remain permitted:
Reusable fabric bags and reusable shopping bags continue to be encouraged as sustainable alternatives.
Plastic bread bags and bags used specifically for baked goods are exempt from the ban.
Plastic bags used for non-food products, as well as bags for goods that are pre-packaged before sale (such as grapes or prawns), are not affected.
Shelf-sold bags like freezer bags and zip-lock or resealable bags remain allowed.
Importantly, certified compostable plastic barrier bags that comply with the mandatory design standard are permitted, supporting the transition to environmentally friendly packaging. These bags can also be used as caddy liners for food waste collection and are suitable for being composted in industrial facilities, making them an eco-friendly option for diverting food waste.
Compostable Bag Design Standard (Mandatory for Suppliers)
To ensure that compostable barrier bags effectively reduce environmental harm, WA has introduced a strict design standard for any compostable bags supplied within the state. Key requirements include:
Bags must be certified compostable according to Australian Standards AS 4736 and/or AS 5810 (in accordance with Australian Standard 4736-2006), ensuring they break down safely in industrial composting facilities.
The ABA compostable logo and certification number must be clearly displayed on the bags, providing transparency and assurance to consumers.
Bags should be clear or semi-transparent; a green tint is acceptable, but opaque bags are not compliant.
Handles are prohibited to reduce contamination and facilitate composting.
For bags used with fruit and vegetables, the minimum opening circumference must be 740 mm to accommodate produce adequately.
Additional recommendations include a minimum capacity of 8 liters and allowances for tinting or printing, though these are not mandatory.
Other Updates on Single-Use Plastics and Packaging
Alongside the changes to plastic barrier bags, WA has updated regulations concerning other single-use plastics and packaging materials:
The exemption for hot liquid takeaway containers (soupy containers) that hold liquids at 60°C or above has been extended until 1 September 2026, providing businesses more time to transition.
Disposable sealed plastic cups, cans, and jars for drinks sealed after ordering in-store (such as iced coffee or bubble tea) have been banned since 1 March 2024. However, factory-filled pre-packaged sealed drinks remain allowed but are subject to the WA Container Deposit Scheme.
These measures complement the barrier bag regulations, collectively aiming to reduce plastic pollution and encourage the use of reusable alternatives, paper products, glass containers, and certified compostable packaging. When using reusable containers, it is important to inspect them for damage, as broken containers can pose health and safety risks. Customer awareness and participation are also essential, especially in food service settings, to ensure that only safe, undamaged reusable containers are used.
Impact on Loose Fruit and Vegetables
The phase-out of plastic barrier bags in Western Australia will bring noticeable changes to the way loose fruit and vegetables are handled in stores and by customers. With the ban on non compostable barrier bags, businesses will need to switch to certified compostable barrier bags or encourage the use of reusable shopping bags and containers. This shift means that customers purchasing loose fruit and vegetables will increasingly be offered compostable barrier bags or prompted to bring their own reusable bags and containers from home.
For businesses, this transition requires a careful review of current packaging practices to ensure that all barrier bags used for fruit and vegetables meet the new certified compostable standards. The move away from plastic barrier bags not only supports the reduction of single use plastics but also helps cut down on the volume of plastic waste generated from packaging loose fruit and vegetables. By adopting reusable alternatives and certified compostable options, both businesses and customers can play a role in reducing the environmental impact of plastic and supporting more sustainable shopping habits.
Overall, the ban on plastic barrier bags for loose fruit and vegetables is expected to encourage a broader cultural shift towards reusable bags and containers, making it easier for customers to shop sustainably and for businesses to align with best practices in packaging and waste reduction.
Compliance and Enforcement
Ensuring compliance with the new ban on plastic barrier bags is a key priority for the Western Australian government. Businesses are required to transition to certified compostable barrier bags or other approved alternatives that meet the mandatory design standards. This process involves working closely with suppliers to source compliant products, updating packaging and labeling to reflect the new requirements, and training staff to understand and implement the changes.
To support compliance, the government will provide clear guidance and resources, such as fact sheets, webinars, and checklists, to help businesses navigate the transition. Regular audits and inspections will be conducted to verify that businesses are using only certified compostable barrier bags and other compliant packaging. Penalties may apply to businesses that continue to use non-compliant plastic barrier bags after the ban comes into effect.
By taking proactive steps to adopt certified compostable alternatives and stay informed about the latest regulations, businesses can avoid enforcement actions and demonstrate their commitment to reducing plastic waste and supporting sustainable packaging practices.
Support for Businesses
Transitioning away from plastic barrier bags to certified compostable barrier bags and other sustainable alternatives can be a significant undertaking for many businesses. To ease this transition, a range of support measures are available. The government, in partnership with industry organizations such as the National Retail Association, offers training and education programs to help businesses understand the new requirements and implement best practices for sustainable packaging.
In addition to educational resources, businesses may have access to grants, funding opportunities, and networking events designed to facilitate the adoption of certified compostable barrier bags and other compliant products. These initiatives aim to help businesses identify suitable alternatives to plastic barrier bags, reduce waste, and improve overall sustainability.
Expert advice and ongoing support from industry associations can also assist businesses in navigating the regulatory landscape, sourcing certified compostable products, and ensuring compliance with the ban. By taking advantage of these resources, businesses can not only meet regulatory requirements but also position themselves as leaders in environmental responsibility and innovation in packaging.
Encouraging Sustainable Packaging and Reusable Alternatives
The phased bans and new design standards reflect strong support from organizations like the National Retail Association and environmental groups such as Garden Organics. Businesses are encouraged to continue trialling certified compostable bags and reusable shopping bags as alternatives to single-use plastics. In addition, businesses can encourage customers to bring their own reusable containers and bags by highlighting legal protections and safety considerations, further promoting sustainable practices. Compostable barrier bags made from compostable plastic materials offer a compliant and environmentally responsible option for packaging fresh produce, loose fruit, vegetables, and other food items.
By adopting these changes, WA is setting a new design standard in packaging that balances food safety with sustainability. Consumers can expect to see a wider range of compliant products, including compostable bags for dry goods, dairy products, confectionary products, and more. This transition aligns with broader water and environmental regulation goals, reducing plastic waste in landfills and natural habitats. Western Australia's approach is similar to regulations and waste management practices in South Australia, where food safety standards, plastic bag bans, and recycling initiatives also play a key role in environmental and health compliance for food businesses.
In conclusion, the introduction of new requirements for plastic barrier bags in Western Australia marks a significant step towards reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable packaging solutions. With clear timelines, mandatory compostable bag design standards, and exemptions that consider practical needs, WA is leading the way in responsible packaging practices. Businesses and consumers alike are encouraged to embrace reusable alternatives and certified compostable barrier bags to support a cleaner, greener future.