About the Phase Out

​​​​In 2021, The Tasmanian Government committed $1 million over four years to address the impacts of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastics in our environment. This includes: 

  • the scoping of a policy approach

  • development of legislation 

  • support for businesses throughout, and after, the transition.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania will continue to consult with the community, businesses, impacted sectors, and industry on implementing the phase out. 

Single-use plastic items considered for phase out

The Government is investigating a range of single‑use plastics identified as problematic and/or unnecessary for consideration as part of a statewide phase out. Single-use plastic items in the following categories are currently being investigated for phasing out in Tasmania:​

  • Utensils: Drinking straws - Beverage stirrers - Cutlery

  • Foodware: Bowls (lidded and unlidded) - Plates - Takeaway food containers - Plastic lined noodle boxes

  • Drinkware: Hot cups and lids (e.g. coffee or soup) - Cold cups and lids (e.g. iced coffee or bubble tea)

  • Bags and produce items: Plastic shopping bags greater than 35 microns thickness - Plastic barrier and produce bags (e.g. for fruit nuts and vegetables) - Plastic bread-tags - Stickers on fruit and vegetables - Single-serve condiment packages

  • Cosmetics: Microbeads in personal healthcare items - Plastic-stemmed cotton buds

  • Party goods and confectionary: Pizza savers - Plastic confetti - Lollipop sticks - Balloon sticks and ties - Pre-packaged and attached products (e.g. plastic straws on fruit boxes)

  • Expanded polystyrene packaging: Expanded polystyrene loose fill packaging - Expanded polystyrene moulded packaging (consumer goods packaging) - Expanded polystyrene fruit and vegetable trays - Expanded polystyrene food service containers - Expanded polystyrene multi-service gelato containers

Materials considered for phase out

Single-use plastic items made from the following materials have also been identified as a priority to phase out:

  • Conventional plastic (e.g. made from fossil-based raw materials)

  • Degradable plastic (fragmentable or oxo-degradable)

  • Expanded polystyrene 

  • Expanded polyethylene

  • Expanded plastic (e.g. made from bio-based raw materials) 

  • Plastic or fibre-based material used across compostable packaging that is not certified compostable to Australian Standards (AS) 5810-2010 or AS 4736-2006​

​​Why is the government phasing out single-use plastics

The government is phasing out these single-use plastic items and materials because:

  • they are set for a national phase out from 2025

  • they are commonly littered in Tasmania

  • they significantly impact Tasmanian waste management systems

  • some are considered unnecessary and we can adapt without them

  • they are already banned in most other States and Territories.​

​​Exemptions 

​The Government acknowledges that some single‑use plastic items will always be necessary. Single‑use plastic straws and cutlery are necessary for those with certain disabilities and medical conditions, whether that is for health and safety, hygiene or accessibility reasons.​​

Contact

Plastics Policy