Exemption applications (2024)

Process for exemption applications & compliance action during review

1. Fill out necessary forms and submit to DWER (plastic-exemptions@dwer.wa.gov.au)
2. DWER will reply within 7 days to advise if your application is under review OR cannot be considered due to lack of information or is based on reasons not valid for an exemption (eg. using up excess stock).
3. Once your application is confirmed as complete and able to be assessed, DWER will advise it is under review. DWER then undertake an extensive review and provide their decision within 30 days. During this time, compliance action on the business will be suspended.
4. Businesses must comply with the decision upon being notified.

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Recap of exemption application information

Under the regulations, the CEO of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) can provide an exemption to a person or class of persons for a prescribed plastic item or prescribed drinking straw, for a specified kind or in specified circumstances, or both, where the CEO considers that it is reasonably necessary to do so.

Important: Exemptions for plastic shopping bags cannot be accepted.

Exemptions must be granted for a specified period and can be subject to conditions. Where significant numbers of applications are received of a similar type, the CEO may elect to provide an exemption to a class of persons rather than to individual people.

Who can apply for an exemption?

Any person, company/business, local or state authority can submit an application for exemption under the regulations for a prescribed plastic item or prescribed plastic drinking straw.

When can I apply?

The Regulations have been amended so that applications for exemptions can be made now.

How do I apply?

Documents are available on the Government website

• Read the guidelines: Exemption considerations
• Information about how to apply: Procedure: Applying for a single-use plastic exemption
• Download, complete & submit an application: Application form: Single-use plastics exemption

How will my application be assessed?

Assessment will be guided by the exemption considerations (see link above). External advice may also be sought where expertise is required in a relevant field (for example, health advice).

Once an application is determined the decision is communicated by DWER to the applicant(s) by email or letter. The decision will also be published on the DWER website.

Compliance action during an exemption application

Process for exemption applications

1. Fill out necessary forms and submit to DWER (plastic-exemptions@dwer.wa.gov.au)
2. DWER will reply within 7 days to advise if your application is missing information or cannot be considered due to lack of information.
3. Once your application is confirmed as complete and able to be assessed, DWER will undertake an extensive review and provide their decision within 30 days. During this time, compliance action on the business will be suspended.
4. Businesses must comply with the decision upon being notified.

Need help?

If you need help to complete your application or have any questions relating to the assessment process, please contact the Government via email at plastic-exemptions@dwer.wa.gov.au or (08) 6364 7000 and ask for the Single-Use Plastics Team.