Turn the tide on plastic

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 will be required as a condition of approval for all new trading permits, however, an initial transition period of 12 months will be applied to allow traders time to adjust.

​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".

WA Plastics Ban

As part of Western Australia's Plan for Plastics, 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:

• produce bags
• 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:

• 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 Ban.

Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July is recognised globally as an annual month of global change, where individuals, businesses and governments come together to take action to reduce plastic waste. By sharing ideas, positive actions and stories of change, Plastic Free July helps people and organisations "choose to refuse" single-use plastic every day.

Every July, the City supports Plastic Free July to encourage our community to choose to refuse single-use plastics.

Together, we can all do our part to help end plastic pollution, alleviate the recycling crisis, reduce landfill waste and mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Plastic Free July website is a great place to get inspiration and support, and to share your tips, ideas and experiences.