Exemption follows widespread ban on single-use plastics.

 

People who need to use plastic straws for medical or disability reasons and the suppliers who provide or sell them in NSW will still be able to do so after the next stage of the plastics bans commence on 1 November 2022, following the granting of an exemption this month.

 

Liesbet Spanjaard, NSW Environment Protection Authority executive director engagement, education and programs, said the exemption will help people who rely on single-use plastic straws to maintain their quality of life. 

 

“Importantly, it means that individuals and organisations that need to continue supplying and selling plastic straws after 1 November for medical or disability purposes will be legally able to do so as set out in the exemption.

 

“This includes hospitality venues and food and drink providers such as restaurants, cafes, school canteens and kiosks, as well as chemists or pharmacies, health facilities such as medical, dental and nursing homes, and manufacturers, producers, wholesalers and online suppliers,” she said.

 

On 1 June this year, lightweight single-use plastic bags were banned. From November, the NSW Government is also banning plastic single-use straws, cutlery, stirrers, plates, bowls, cotton buds, expanded polystyrene foodware and cups, and rinse-off personal care products containing microbeads.