Single-use coffee cups will be required to be recyclable in New South Wales under the new NSW Plastic Plan 2.0.
The plan, which covers the use of “problematic plastics”, also informs the phase-out of heavyweight plastic shopping bags, small items like soy sauce fish, and items already banned in other states such as plastic pizza savers.
A new baseline study by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the NSW Environment Protection Authority measured the level of microplastics in coastal waterways, where they were detected in every waterway sampled.
As part of the NSW Plastics Plan 2.0, trials for a reusable cup system in NSW Government premises will commence in 2026, while food supply and service items made from expanded or foamed plastic will commence phase-out from late 2027.
Food service businesses will be required to accept reusable cups for takeaway beverages, with regulations for single-use plastic cups food containers, and lids to be recyclable from mid-2028.
NSW Environment Minister, Penny Sharpe, says the regulations will help meet businesses meet consumers where they are.
“Plastic breaks down into microplastic. Microplastics are entering our bodies and polluting our environment and oceans, killing our wildlife,” she says.
“Consumers want to do the right thing and use less plastic. This will help make the right choice the easy choice.
“We will work closely with industry, small businesses, manufacturers, retailers and councils to support a smooth transition to less plastic and safer recycling alternatives.”
To view the full NSW Plastics Plan 2.0, click here.
