Overview

• South Australia is the first jurisdiction reported to enact such a prohibition, with the ban taking effect on 1 September.
• The rule targets pre-filled rigid plastic containers under 30ml with lids, caps or stoppers, covering fish-shaped and small rectangular versions.
• Restaurants are encouraged to use bulk bottles or refillable dispensers, while sachets and squeeze packs remain permitted as lighter single-use options.
• The Environment Protection Authority will oversee compliance using a graduated approach, with initial warnings expected before fines or prosecution.
• Early responses include some outlets using remaining stock or switching to soft-plastic sachets as suppliers face tight availability of alternatives, and related measures now also remove straws or cutlery attached to food and certain expanded polystyrene cups and bowls, with a produce-sticker phase-out deferred.