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Are coffee cups banned in Australia?

Takeaway coffee and paper cups can be seen as problematic since they can’t be recycled through kerbside recycling. This is why Simply Cups was established, to save them from going to landfill by creating a dedicated recycling system to give cups a second life! 


However, over the past few years, single-use plastic bans have been implemented across Australia. And since many of these cups have a plastic lining, they have also been considered as an item that should be banned. Find out if coffee cups are banned below.  


What is the single-use plastic ban? 

The single-use plastic ban is the result of a voluntary target for states to phase out problematic plastic products by 2025, under the National Waste Policy Action Plan. Because each state is responsible for their own policies and actions, the single-use plastic ban looks different across Australia.  


As an example, some items have been banned nationwide, such as lightweight plastic shopping bags, whilst other items are phased out separately based on each state’s voluntary goals. 


Are coffee cups banned? 

To understand how the ban affects coffee and paper cups, it is important to note that paper cups can be made from different materials like plastic or plant-based materials.


Most coffee cups are made with a plastic lining, usually polyethylene (also known as PE), however coffee cups can also be made from plant-based material and some of these paper cups may be certified home or industrial (AS5810 or AS4736) compostable.


Coffee cups with a plastic PE lining are banned in the following states / cities:

  • WA

  • SA

  • Hobart

  • Darwin


The ban for coffee cups with PE lining is in discussion in the following states:

  • QLD

  • NSW


Are compostable coffee cups banned? 

Coffee cups with certified home or industrial (AS5810 or AS4736) compostable certification are accepted nationwide in Australia.


While this might sound more environmentally friendly than traditional paper cups, compostable paper cups are also problematic and only break down in certain environments.


It is important to understand where and how these types of cups need to be disposed of, such as in home composting systems or industrial composting facilities. Learn more on how to compost your coffee cups.


Bring your own reusable cup 

The best option for the environment would be to bring your own reusable cup - leaving one in the car or your bag would be the best way to prevent using a single-use paper cup.  


man holding a reusable coffee cup
Bring your own reusable cup!

Recycling your coffee cup 

Remember that you can recycle any takeaway coffee or paper cup with us.  


Simply Cups accepts both non-compostable and compostable paper cups that can fit in our collection units. This includes coffee cups, ice cream cups, takeaway cold drink cups, and many more. 



recycling a paper cup at a Simply Cups collection
Recycle your paper cups with Simply Cups

FAQs

Are coffee cups banned in Victoria?

  • Coffee cups are not banned in Victoria.  

Are coffee cups banned in NSW? 

  • Coffee cups are not banned in NSW. 

Are coffee cups banned in QLD? 

  • Coffee cups are not banned in QLD, but there are discussions in place. 

Are coffee cups banned in ACT? 

  • Coffee cups are not banned in ACT 

Are coffee cups banned in WA? 

  • Coffee cups with plastic linings are banned in WA. Coffee cups must be certified compostable (AS5810 or AS4736).  

Are coffee cups banned in SA? 

  • Coffee cups with plastic linings are banned in SA. Coffee cups must be certified compostable (AS5810 or AS4736). 

Are coffee cups banned in Hobart? 

  • Coffee cups with plastic linings are banned in Hobart. Coffee cups must be certified compostable (AS5810 or AS4736). 

Are coffee cups banned in Darwin? 

  • Coffee cups with plastic linings are banned in Darwin. Coffee cups must be certified compostable (AS5810 or AS4736). 

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