Low Plastic Eating Made Easy
- 02 July 2026
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2026 Plastic Free July
Small changes make a big difference. This July, make a small commitment with a pledge to reduce single-use plastics. Whether it’s refusing a takeaway coffee cup, saying no to plastic water bottles, or choosing reusable alternatives, every action helps.
How can you get involved?
- Visit your local library on 1 July 2026, to make your pledge and join the world record attempt for “The Most People Refusing Single-Use Plastic in One Day”. Read more below.
- Looking for inspiration? Check out the 31 Days of Ideas calendar for events and simple ideas to help you reduce plastic throughout July and beyond.
- Attend an in-person workshops, or join us online for one. See all Plastic Free July events below.
In 2026, we are proud to be a Council Member with Plastic Free July. Our Planning and Environment Team is taking on the challenge too, pledging to ditch disposable coffee cups, takeaway containers and single-use water bottles throughout July and beyond.
Learn more about how to make your pledge below.
Plastic Free July™ is a global movement empowering millions to reduce plastic waste through simple, everyday actions and be part of the solution to plastic pollution, creating cleaner streets, oceans and communities. Join the challenge by refusing single-use plastics and learn more about making your pledge below.
On 1 July 2026, commit to refusing one single-use plastic item. Whether it’s cups, bottles or packaged produce, make your 2026 Plastic Free July pledge individually or with a group. Every action counts as we work together toward a more sustainable, plastic‑free future. Visit your local library to register your pledge or register for the world record attempt "The Most People Refusing Single-Use Plastic in One Day" using the link below.
2026 Plastic Free July Events
Our Toy Library now has a Party Hire Kit, including tables, chairs and utensils for loan.
To find out more and see loan availability visit Toy Library
Schools and community groups can now loan out our Plastic Free - Education Kit's. Create your own display, either for a Plastic Free July or during the year, these displays are the perfect way to start a conversation on the impacts of plastics on our environment.
There are two Kit options available, high school aged and primary school aged. The following is included in each Kit:
- 6 Material Jars – Kindly donated by local beach clean-up group, Rockingham Beach Cleans, explore locally found debris on our beaches.
- 2 A3 posters and display frames – Outlining the impacts of plastics, how long material takes to break down and what’s found along our coastline.
- Books – Based on age groups, each kit has a selection of 4-5 books.
- Further resources – Explore various educational resources to prompt further research and inclusions for your display and conversations.
Single Use Plastics and Balloons Policy
In May 2019, Council endorsed a Single Use Plastics and Balloons Policy, along with a unique guideline which provides detailed information to assist in making the switch away from single use plastics. The policy provides controls that minimise the adverse impacts of these disposable materials on the environment, and particularly marine wildlife.
The policy requires that single use plastic items be substituted with compostable or reusable alternatives and applies to all City operations, traders operating with a permit issued by the City and events held in public places, where approval is required by the City. Compliance with the policy is required as a condition of approval for all new trading permits.
Implementation of this policy is an important part of our ongoing commitment to a sustainable environment and will ensure the City continues to be a place "where the coast comes to life".
As part of Western Australia's Plan for Plasticsopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window, the State Government is helping reduce plastic pollution by phasing out a number of single-use plastic items. The State ban applies to the sale, supply and distribution of single-use plastic items and will be completed in two stages. The first stage of the plan will be conducted in two parts, with bans enforced from 1 July 2022. Stage 1 and enforcement dates are listed below.
Banned as of 1 July 2022:
- all plastic shopping bags with handles
- disposable plastic utensils - straws, stirrers and cutlery
- disposable plastic foodware without lids - plates, bowls and food containers
- expanded polystyrene food containers and trays and
- balloon releases.
Banned as of 1 October 2022:
- disposable plastic cups for cold drinks.
Stage 2 of the WA Plan for Plastics comes into effect on 27 February 2023, with a number of single-use plastic items to be phased out between September 2023 and July 2025. The Stage 2 regulations will include:
Banned as of 1 September 2023:
- cotton buds with plastic stems
- microbeads
- expanded polystyrene packaging (loose)
- expanded polystyrene cups and trays for raw meat and seafood and
- degradable plastics.
Banned as of 1 March 2024:
- coffee cups and all disposable plastic cup lids and
- trays for takeaway food not covered in Stage 1 ban.
Banned as of 1 September 2024:
- produce bags
- lids for bowls, trays, plates and takeaway food containers.
Banned as of 1 July 2025:
- expanded polystyrene packaging (moulded).
If you have any questions about the ban, community organisations and members of the public can get in contact with Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) at plastic-action@dwer.wa.gov.au or call (08) 6364 7000. You can register for updates on the second phase of the WA Plastics Banopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window.
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