Weigh up your best long-term options.

Consumers are increasingly seeking to support sustainable businesses and products.

• First, consider whether you need to keep supplying items like straws and cutlery if your customers do not really need them.
• Next, think about whether you can use reusable, washable alternatives and reduce the amount of items you give away. Encourage customers to bring their own.
• Then, if you still need disposable items, ensure they are compliant and food safe. Check the specific rules for each item as well as banned bioplastics.

If you are unsure about options, speak to specialists at the National Retail Association. The NRA team can also advise on bans in other states.

Ask your supplier to answer these questions

Every business should get answers to these questions in writing, before ordering alternatives. You can simply copy and paste the questions below into an email.

1. Do these items comply with the WA plastics legislation that comes into effect in 2022?
2. Do these items contain any form of plastic or compostable plastic?
   • Compostable plastic alternatives are banned for most items.
   • The only exemptions are bowls, containers or cups which are primarily made from paperboard and have achieved Australian composting certification (either AS 5810-2010 or AS 4736-2006).

It is an offence to supply banned items, or to provide false or misleading information about a banned item.

Check for other changes you need to make.

By changing to a more sustainable alternative, you may need to alter some of your equipment, storage, fixtures or processes. For example, you may need to look at bag holders, storage life of new products, price changes, or adapt your food preparation systems.

If you supply items beyond WA, you may also like to update your website or marketing materials to indicate banned products and prevent WA clients from purchasing these.

Help your staff prepare for changes.

Prepare your staff for customer questions about the ban and inform them of the positive changes you have decided to make. 

• Retail and hospitality staff may be asked to explain why you no longer offer some items or to provide more information on new items. 
• Manufacturers, suppliers and their customer service teams will need to be aware of products in their range which cannot be supplied to WA clients.

If you have decided to continue providing plastic straws for people with a disability or medical need, ensure staff know that they are allowed to provide a single plastic straw only if it is requested. These straws must also be kept out-of-view and out-of-reach of customers.

Inform your customers ahead of time.

Inform your customers of the ban and prepare them for changes you will be implementing. Some customers will welcome the change while others may take a little time to adjust. Customers should be made aware that the ban is not optional and penalties apply for businesses.

You may like to encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags, utensils or containers if this is suitable for your business model. You may even like to sell your own reusable range.

Display signage early.

We recommend that all retailers display signage well ahead of the ban dates so your customers have time to prepare. Place posters behind your counter, near point-of-sale, or where banned items would have been supplied. You may like to send out communications informing regular customers or verbally reminding them in-store as the ban approaches.

Signage is available here.