Plastic barrier bags for loose fruit, vegetables, dry foods, meat, seafood, and dairy products are being phased out in Western Australia. The change aims to reduce plastic waste and ensure bags are compatible with composting systems.
© National Retail Association
From 1 October 2025, plastic bags that do not meet the new design standard for loose fruit, vegetables, and dry foods, including flour, grains, nuts, confectionery, chocolate, cereals, and coffee beans, will no longer be permitted. From 1 October 2026, the ban will extend to plastic bags that do not meet the design standard for unpackaged meat, seafood, or dairy products.
Certain exemptions will remain in place. Reusable fabric bags, bread bags, pre-packaged goods, freezer bags, zip-lock or resealable bags, and compostable bags that meet the design standard will still be allowed.
Businesses seeking to supply compostable barrier bags can access free online information sessions from the National Retail Association to understand and comply with the new requirements.
For more information:
National Retail Association
Tel: +61 (0) 7 3240 0163
www.nationalretail.org.au