Deposit return schemes and plastic bags in Western Australia (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Western Australia's Containers for Change scheme pays a 10-cent refund on eligible drink containers of 150 millilitres to 3 litres. Since 1 January 2022 the sale and supply of all soft plastic carry bags with handles has been banned.

RuleWhat applies
National deposit return scheme in operationDeposit on drinks containersYes [1]
Containers coveredDeposit on drinks containersDrink containers between 150 mL and 3 L, including wine, spirits, beer and cider, spirit-based mixed drinks, cordial, fruit and vegetable juices, flavoured milk, soft drinks, sports drinks and water, Excluded: containers for plain milk, registered health tonics and food for special medical purposes [1]
Deposit per containerDeposit on drinks containers0.10 AUD per container [1]
Plastic carrier bag rulePlastic carrier bagsBanned [2]
Price of plastic carrier bagsPlastic carrier bagsThe sale, supply and distribution of banned bags is prohibited for all businesses, manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and distributors. The ban does not apply to personal use of bags already owned. [2]
Bag thickness rulePlastic carrier bagsThe ban covers all soft plastic carry (shopping) bags with handles that are wholly or partly plastic, including bags of heat-sealed non-woven polypropylene, non-woven polypropylene under 90 grams per square metre, degradable, biodegradable, oxo-degradable and compostable plastic, and plastic-laminated paper or cardboard. Barrier bags, bags that are part of sealed packaging and certain woven or sewn fabric bags are not covered. [2]

Notes

  • The scheme was expanded on 1 July 2026. A detailed list of eligible containers is published by the Department.
  • The thick bag ban extended an earlier ban on lightweight bags. The fact sheet gives a transition period to 1 July 2022.

Sources

  1. Government of Western Australia: Container deposit scheme | Western Australian Government (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation: Single-use plastics ban - Thick plastic bags (fact sheet, PDF) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Western Australia

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 50 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; 10 g or less may get an intervention notice · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 110 km/h
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Specified drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any cannabis detected
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules, 16+ · Minimum age: 16
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or permanent resident: transfer within 3 months
  • Home educationNature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 15 years 6 months · Licence: Class R-N or other WA licence
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted or not touched
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, on rent or hire
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.