Are Plastic Straws Banned in Australia? A State-by-State Guide

Quick Answer

Yes, plastic straws are banned in most of Australia. South Australia, the ACT, Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria have all banned single-use plastic straws. Tasmania and the Northern Territory have not brought in a statewide ban yet, though local action is happening (Hobart has its own ban). Most states allow an exemption for people who need a plastic straw for disability or medical reasons.

Here's the quick version by state:

Info current as of September 2026. Rules change, so always check your state EPA site before you order stock.

The Ban Explained

Australia doesn't have one national law banning plastic straws. Instead, each state made its own call, on its own timeline. That's why a cafe in Adelaide has been straw-free since 2021, while a bar in Darwin can technically still hand one out today.

The push started because plastic straws are small, light and easy for wind and water to carry off. They don't break down, they show up in waterways and beaches, and they're often eaten by marine animals who mistake them for food. South Australia led the charge, banning straws, cutlery and stirrers back in March 2021. Once one state moved, the rest followed within a couple of years.

The bans usually cover more than straws. Most states also knocked out plastic cutlery, stirrers, plates, bowls, cotton buds and polystyrene food containers in the same round. So if you're updating your supply order for straws, it's worth checking the rest of your disposables at the same time.

There's also a federal push happening in the background, with work underway on a national approach to packaging that could smooth out the state-by-state patchwork over the next few years. Until that lands, plan around your own state's rules rather than assume the whole country moves at once.

State-by-State Status

South Australia
SA was first, banning plastic straws, cutlery and stirrers from 1 March 2021. It has kept adding to the list since, including plastic soy sauce fish and attached cutlery (think straws stuck to juice boxes) from September 2025.

Queensland
Queensland banned single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls, polystyrene containers and cotton buds from 1 September 2021.

Australian Capital Territory
The ACT's first round of bans started 1 July 2022, covering straws, cutlery, stirrers, cotton buds, plates, bowls and polystyrene food and drink containers.

Western Australia
WA's ban began 1 July 2022 and covers straws, cutlery, stirrers, plates, bowls, cotton buds, polystyrene containers and non-compostable cups.

New South Wales
NSW banned plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls, cotton buds and polystyrene food service items from 1 November 2022.

Victoria
Victoria's ban on straws, cutlery, plates, stirrers and cotton buds started in February 2023, and was extended in January 2026 to cover polystyrene food and drink containers too.

Tasmania and Northern Territory
As it stands, neither Tasmania nor the Northern Territory has a statewide ban on plastic straws in force. Hobart City Council has its own local ban, but it doesn't apply across the whole state. Both jurisdictions have flagged plans to catch up, so don't be surprised if this changes.

Because the details shift often, always cross-check with your state's EPA or environment department before you place a bulk order.

The Disability and Medical Exemption

Every state ban comes with an exemption for people who need a plastic straw for disability or medical reasons. Plastic is sometimes the only straw type that's safe and workable for someone with limited jaw control, swallowing difficulties or a condition where a straw needs to be flexible, bendable or heat resistant.

In most states, the exemption works like this:

• Venues can still keep a small stock of plastic straws for customers who ask.
• Straws usually need to be kept behind the counter, not out on tables, so they're only given on request.
• Some states ask that plastic straws only be supplied on request, not offered by default with drinks.
• There's generally no need for a doctor's note. Staff aren't expected to question the request.

If you run a cafe, it's worth training your team on this. Keep a small pack of plastic straws out of sight and let staff know they can hand one over without a fuss when asked.

Compliant Straw Alternatives

Once you're off plastic, here's what most Australian venues switch to:

Paper straws
The most common swap. Look for a 3-ply paper straw with a food-safe coating so it holds up in cold drinks. They cost more per unit than plastic but work for almost every drink, hot or cold.

PLA straws
Made from plant starch, these look and feel like plastic but are compostable. Good for milkshakes and bubble tea where paper can go soft too fast. Check for AS 4736 certification (commercial compost) so you know the claim stacks up.

Reusable straws
Stainless steel, glass or silicone straws work well for dine-in venues that can wash and reuse them. Higher upfront cost, but they pay off over time and cut down on packaging waste altogether.

Here's a quick way to think about it:

What Venues Should Do

If you haven't switched yet, here's the short version:

• Check your state's current list of banned items, not just straws.

• Order paper or PLA straws to replace plastic stock.

• Keep a small, hidden supply of plastic straws for the disability and medical exemption.

• Put up simple signage so staff and customers understand why straws are only given on request.

• Recheck your state EPA site every few months, since the rules keep expanding.

Switching over is usually simpler than it sounds. Most suppliers, including Fayaz Disposable, stock straws in bulk cartons so you're not paying retail prices while you make the change. It's also worth reviewing your straw order alongside your cups, lids and cutlery, since a lot of venues find it easier and cheaper to update their whole disposable range in one go rather than piece by piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are plastic straws banned in Australia?
Yes, in most states. South Australia, Queensland, the ACT, Western Australia, NSW and Victoria have all banned single-use plastic straws. Tasmania and the Northern Territory haven't brought in a statewide ban yet.

Which states have banned plastic straws?
South Australia, Queensland, ACT, Western Australia, NSW and Victoria. Check the table above for exact start dates.

Are there exemptions for people with disability?
Yes. Every state with a ban allows plastic straws to stay available for people who need one for disability or medical reasons, usually kept behind the counter and given on request.

Can I still buy plastic straws?
In banned states, retailers and suppliers generally can't sell or supply them for general use, but stock can still be kept for the disability exemption. Rules on buying for personal use vary, so check your local guidelines.

What straws can cafes use now?
Paper, PLA (plant-based) and reusable straws are the main compliant options across all states.

Are paper straws required by law?
No. The law bans plastic straws, it doesn't mandate paper specifically. Cafes can choose paper, PLA or reusable straws, as long as they're not plastic.

Are PLA straws compliant with the ban?
Yes, PLA straws are compliant since they're not made from conventional plastic. Look for AS 4736 certification if you want proof they're genuinely compostable in commercial facilities.

Written by the Fayaz Disposable packaging team, Melbourne. Need help sourcing compliant straws for your venue? Browse our paper and PLA straw range, or get in touch for bulk pricing.