The Plastic Reduction Act 2021 (A2021-4), notified on 8 April 2021 after passing the Legislative Assembly under Minister Chris Steel, commenced its bans on 1 July 2021 with single-use plastic cutlery and stirrers (including bioplastic versions) and expanded polystyrene food and beverage containers.
Later tranches banned plastic straws, plastic-stemmed cotton buds and oxo-degradable plastics from 1 July 2022; plates and bowls, EPS loose fill and trays and microbeads from 1 July 2023; and heavyweight and boutique plastic bags over 35 microns from 1 January 2024. The Act was repealed on 9 November 2023 and its bans carried into the Circular Economy Act 2023 (A2023-39).
Status as at September 2026: in force under the Circular Economy Act 2023. Dates verified against the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislation Register entries for A2021-4 and A2023-39 and the ACT City Services single-use plastics page on 23 September 2026.