Number: 2025/09
Date of Issue: 01/07/2025
Review Date: 30/06/2029
Policy
This policy seeks to significantly reduce the amount of single use plastics procured by State Government agencies and non-SES organisations. It aims to support agencies and non-SES organisations to make better purchasing choices through the integration of sustainability in the procurement process.
This policy is intended to apply to statutory office holders, including the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administrative Investigations, the Public Sector Commissioner, the Information Commissioner, the Inspector of Custodial Services, and any similar office other than to the extent that it is inconsistent with the independent performance of their statutory functions.
This policy requires agencies and non-SES organisations to choose sustainable options when procuring goods and services to improve sustainability and increase the use of recycled products. This includes, as a minimum:
- replacing commonly purchased single use plastic products with recyclable, compostable or reusable alternatives. Examples of this include replacing disposable plastic cups, foam cups, plastic straws and plastic utensils with paper or other compostable alternatives;
- reviewing existing agency contracts to achieve better pricing and discussing opportunities with suppliers to substitute plastic products with reusable and compostable products.
- investigate and implement actions to increase avoidance of disposable goods and enable development of reuse recycling systems for government buildings and events (e.g. education and guidance, establishment of sustainability groups, improved kitchen and waste management systems).
Compliance with this policy
It is the responsibility of Directors General, Chief Executive Officers or Chief Employees to comply with this policy and make responsible decisions about the use of disposable plastic products. This policy does not affect the use of single use plastic items that have already been purchased.
Assistance with this policy
Agencies and non-SES organisations seeking assistance in complying with this policy should:
- for purchases below $250,000 contact your agency or organisation’s nominated procurement representative;
- for purchases above $250,000 contact the Department of Housing and Works; and
- for more information on Common Use Arrangement products contact the Contract Manager listed in the Buyer's Guide.
Background
The Government is committed to developing and implementing environmental management policies and practices that reduce the amount of waste we generate, and increase demand for recycled products. By reducing the amount of single use plastic items we purchase, we will reduce our waste footprint. By purchasing items that are readily recyclable, certified compostable or reusable, we enable recycling industries and increase the visibility and awareness of alternative purchasing practices. By purchasing items that contain recycled content, we create and expand markets for recycled materials.
This policy acknowledges that the Government's own consumption of disposable items and purchasing power can be significant. As part of Government action to reduce single-use plastic in line with community expectations, it is also reasonable for the community to expect that government will lead by example and reduce its own consumption of these plastics. The Government recognises that closed-loop or controlled environments are ideal places to introduce change, such as reusable systems.
This policy speaks to this Government's commitment to improving the environmental sustainability of the procurement process. It is also in keeping with the Government's Environmental Protection (Prohibited Plastics and Balloons) Regulations 2018, introduced in response to evidence of the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
Roger Cook MLA
PREMIER
Other relevant Circulars: 2021/03
Circular/s replaced by this Circular: 2018/03, 2021/13
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