The NSW Government's Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 will prohibit the supply of lightweight plastic bags from 1 June 2022. The supply of other items will be prohibited from 1 November 2022 including single-use plastic straws*, cutlery, stirrers, cotton buds, plates and bowls, expanded polystyrene (EPS) food service items, and microbeads in personal care products.

* There will be some exemptions for ‘the supply of single-use plastic drinking straws for use by a person with a disability or other medical requirement’. Check the NSW Planning and Environment (DPE) website for updates.

Information and resources about the single-use plastics ban is available on the NSW DPE website.

The National Retail Association (NRA) have also been engaged by NSW Government to assist businesses to understand, manage and comply with the ban. The NRA has also been hosting FREE monthly online ‘pop in’ sessions for businesses but also hospitality, suppliers and community organisations, with additional daily sessions in the lead up to each ban stage. 

The NSW EPA’s Bin Trim Program provides free advice and support to businesses (with up to 400 staff) to help them identify and implement ways of cutting waste and potentially making cost savings.

Roughly 70% of the things in a business’ garbage bin can be reused or recycled. From cardboard, paper, and plastic through to food waste – so much of this ends up in the garbage bin, when it could be avoided, reused or recycled.

Minimising the amount of waste sent to landfill is not just good for the planet; it is good for business, helping to attract more customers by showing an environmental awareness, increase staff morale, gain recognition for actions taken, and reduce impact on the environment.

Businesses may also be eligible for a rebate of between $1,000 and $50,000 to help with the purchase price of recycling equipment. If you are interested in accessing a rebate, email bintrim.rebates@epa.nsw.gov.au

Alternatively, businesses can use the free Bin Trim tool to get a profile of their waste.

For more information: Does your business make the cut?

Use the NSW EPA's Recyculator to calculate and communicate the benefits of large-scale recycling for businesses. This interactive online tool helps businesses measure recycling's wider benefits: energy and water savings, fewer greenhouse gas emissions and less waste going to landfill.

Need to find a recycling collection or service for your business? Search Australia's most comprehensive business recycling database, along with free resources like signage and waste reduction guides.

The Recycling Equipment Catalogue contains information to help guide your decision when choosing a piece of recycling equipment for your business.