NSW Government makes changes to plastic waste reforms – BeanScene

The NSW Government has made additional changes to recent legislation passed as part of the NSW Plastics Ban 2.0, following concern from small businesses.

From 2028, cafés would have been required to offer a mug or glass when customers are dining in (instead of a disposable cup).

This has been changed as of Wednesday 28 October, announced via a statement from NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe.

“The legislation was designed to give customers the option of a mug or glass when enjoying a coffee in a cafe, rather than only being offered a disposable takeaway cup. But we’ve heard the concerns from small businesses, and we won’t be requiring cafés to purchase any additional cups or change the way they operate,” said Minister Sharpe.

The minister also flagged there would be no mandatory reusable cup schemes, where cafés partner with cup providers so customers can borrow a reusable cup.

“We were planning exemptions for small businesses to any future reuse schemes – but to remove all concern, we’re making it clear that there will be no mandatory reuse schemes,” she said.

“Some businesses are already choosing to do this on their own, and they are welcome to do so.”

Minister Sharpe flagged other reforms remain, including making single-use takeaway coffee cups recyclable and requiring cafés to accept a customer’s clean reusable cup.

In an earlier statement announcing the reforms, the NSW Government said it would continue working closely with industry on implementation, providing support, education, and guidance ahead of the changes coming into effect.