Australian Single-Use Plastic Bans

Is Your Packaging Actually Legal?

⚠️ Penalties up to $55,000 for non-compliant businesses. Each state has different rules.

Australia’s plastic bans are a patchwork — what’s legal in Sydney might get you fined in Perth. Check below to see which cups and lids are allowed in your state, or skip the guesswork with packaging that’s compliant everywhere.

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✓ Allowed
✕ Banned
⚠ Restrictions Apply

Coffee Cups

Every Australian state has restricted or banned certain single-use cups.

Cup Type ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA
Expanded Polystyrene ✕ ✕ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✓ ✕ ✕
Plastic ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✓ ✕
Bioplastic (PLA) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕
Paper with Plastic Lining ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✓ ✕
Paper with Aqueous Coating ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓

The Bag Broker cups use aqueous coating on sugarcane paper — certified home compostable (AS5810) and compliant in all states.

Cup Lids

Lid regulations vary significantly by state. Sugarcane pulp (bagasse) lids are the safest choice.

Lid Type ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA
Plastic ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✓ ⚠*
Bioplastic (PLA) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ⚠*
Paper with Plastic Lining ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✓ ✕
Paper with Aqueous/PLA Lining ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ⚠**
Sugarcane Pulp (Bagasse) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

* WA: Banned for hot & cold drinks. Allowed for liquid food above 60°C until Aug 2026. Clear lids allowed for pre-packed food.

** WA: Allowed for cups serving food only. Not for hot & cold drinks.

✓

The Bag Broker bagasse lids are un-lined sugarcane pulp — compliant in all states with no restrictions.

Stop Guessing. Go Compliant Everywhere.

Why track 8 different sets of rules? Our sugarcane cups and bagasse lids work in every state — no asterisks, no exceptions, no fines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between PLA and aqueous coating?

PLA (polylactic acid) is a plant-based bioplastic applied as a separate layer on top of paper. Aqueous coating uses a water-based dispersion technique that embeds minimal synthetic polymers directly into the paper fibers — using less than one-third of the waterproof material needed in PLA-lined cups. Both can be certified compostable, but aqueous cups are compliant in WA where PLA is restricted.

Are aqueous-coated cups plastic-free?

Not entirely — aqueous coating contains a small fraction of synthetic polymers to create a waterproof barrier. However, unlike PLA or PE-lined cups, there’s no separate plastic layer. The coating is embedded in the paper fibers, uses significantly less synthetic material, and the cups are certified home compostable to AS5810. This is why they’re compliant even in WA’s strict regulations.

What are the penalties for using banned cups?

Penalties vary by state. In Victoria, fines can reach $55,000+ for businesses. SA and WA have similar enforcement powers. Most states take an education-first approach, but repeat offenders face significant fines.

Can I get samples before ordering?

Yes — we offer free samples of our compostable cups and bagasse lids. Request samples here and we’ll ship them from our Melbourne warehouse.

About This Guide

This information reflects regulations as of December 2025. Single-use plastic bans are evolving. This guide is our interpretation of current legislation and is not legal advice.

ACT — Single-Use Plastics SA — Replace The Waste NSW — Plastics TAS (Hobart) — Plastics By-law NT — Single-Use Plastics VIC — Single-Use Plastics QLD — Single-Use Plastics Ban WA — Plan for Plastics

Last updated: December 2025