Temporary exemption ending soon

Western Australia’s Plan for Plastics began in 2021 and has banned more than 20 single-use plastic items.

Plastic takeaway containers used solely for hot, liquidy food were provided a temporary class exemption to allow additional time to source alternatives, however this exemption will expire on 31 August 2026. All businesses supplying plastic takeaway containers and their lids must comply with the ban and penalties may apply for non-compliance.

Temporary exemption rules

Businesses can temporarily supply plastic food containers or lids until 31 August 2026 only if the takeaway food meets BOTH requirements of the exemption:

Examples of temporarily allowed use:

• Hot soup
• Laksa
• Curry
• Gravy-based dishes

Example image only

If the takeaway food does not meet both requirements, plastic food containers and plastic lids are already banned.

Examples of items that do not meet the exemption

• Food that is less than 60°C
• Food that is not liquid or soupy, such as rice, beans, salads, or pasta
• Food consumed at the premises.
• Hot or cold drinks

The below example image does not meet the exemption criteria:

Alternatives

From 1 September 2026, business will need to use alternative solutions to package hot and soupy takeaway food.

• Consider different shapes, sizes, and lid combinations that are different to how you currently serve these foods.
• Check that both the container and lid provide adequate heat and leak resistance so your food can be safely handled and transported.
• Speak to several suppliers and test some samples to find the best solution for your business.
• Check the BanSolutionFinder website for alternatives: bansolutionfinder.org

The ban does NOT apply to:

• containers or lids made solely from fibre
• containers or lids made primarily from fibre with a plastic coating where the whole item is certified to Australian composting standards
• containers or lids proven to be designed for long-term washing and reuse
• food that is not considered takeaway or eat-in, or food that was pre-packaged offsite.

Food that is pre-packed and placed on display is allowed to use plastic lids so the food can be seen and selected by customers, but it must have a non-plastic container base. Plastic lids are not allowed for takeaway or dine-in food which is self-serve or packed to order.

Members of the public may also report suspected non-compliant items to the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation via: complianceforplastics@dwer.wa.gov.au or call 08 6364 7000.

Business assistance

• More information on the bans and allowed alternatives >
• See the factsheet: HERE>
• If you still have queries, please attend our monthly information sessions or call the hotline: 1800 817 723.
• To find ban-compliant reusable and disposable options, visit the Ban Solution Finder website: https://www.bansolutionfinder.org/

You can also contact the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for general plastic enquiries via email: plastic‑action@dwer.wa.gov.au or call 08 6364 7000.