Single-use plastics discussion paper

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Single use plastic cutlery

The Consultation summary report and submission received is now live in the documents list.


Our Environment Minister, together with all Australian Environment Ministers, has committed to phasing out and banning certain problematic single-use plastics.

The Northern Territory Circular Economy Strategy 2022-2027 proposed the following items are phased out in the Territory:

  • Plastic bags (heavy weight)
  • Plastic straws
  • Plastic utensils and stirrers
  • Plastic bowls and plates
  • Expanded polystyrene (EPS) consumer food containers
  • EPS consumer goods packaging (loose fill and moulded)
  • Microbeads in personal health care products
  • Helium balloon (releases)

We want to understand the implications of phasing out these items and find out if there are additional items that Territorians are concerned about.

Consultation was open from 8 March – 14 April 2023.

Contributions are currently being evaluated and reviewed, before a consultation report and policy update is provided.

Community feedback on the discussion paper during the consultation period will contribute to the development of the policy and public awareness campaign.

The Consultation summary report and submission received is now live in the documents list.


Our Environment Minister, together with all Australian Environment Ministers, has committed to phasing out and banning certain problematic single-use plastics.

The Northern Territory Circular Economy Strategy 2022-2027 proposed the following items are phased out in the Territory:

  • Plastic bags (heavy weight)
  • Plastic straws
  • Plastic utensils and stirrers
  • Plastic bowls and plates
  • Expanded polystyrene (EPS) consumer food containers
  • EPS consumer goods packaging (loose fill and moulded)
  • Microbeads in personal health care products
  • Helium balloon (releases)

We want to understand the implications of phasing out these items and find out if there are additional items that Territorians are concerned about.

Consultation was open from 8 March – 14 April 2023.

Contributions are currently being evaluated and reviewed, before a consultation report and policy update is provided.

Community feedback on the discussion paper during the consultation period will contribute to the development of the policy and public awareness campaign.

  • Community member

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  • Business or organisation

    If you represent a business or organisation that uses single use plastics, please complete this survey. 

    For example, you may be a manufacturer, supplier, hospitality retailer or waster/material recycler. 

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Page published: 19 Jun 2025, 01:16 PM