Plastic Phaseouts Stage 2 from 1 July 2023
The next round of Plastic Phaseouts takes effect from 1 July 2023. Stage 2 Phaseouts include single use plastic produce bags, straws*, plates, bowls & cutlery and non-compostable plastic produce labels.
Shifting away from hard-to-recycle and single-use plastics will help reduce plastic waste, improve our recycling systems and protect our environment. This shift is also part of a wider ambition to move Aotearoa New Zealand towards a low-emissions, low-waste economy.
Items that are easier to replace are being phased out sooner than those that are more challenging to replace. This approach strikes a balance between public feedback for fast action and providing businesses with adequate time to prepare. Providing information early on the phase-outs allows time for businesses and the public to adjust (eg, use up old stock, make changes to product lines and find suitable alternatives).
From 1 July 2023 The following single-use plastic items are either banned or being phased out:
- plastic produce bags
- plastic plates, bowls and cutlery
- plastic straws*
- plastic produce labels
- non-compostable plastic produce labels
*Plastic straws will be available for disabled people and medical use.
In most cases this includes any of the above items made wholly or predominantly of any type of plastic (including recyclable, compostable or biodegradable plastic).
For full details and guidance on the products and their alternatives included in this round of Phaseouts, please visit:
The third round of Plastics Phaseouts is set to take place mid 2025 with all other PVC and polystryene food and drink packaging.