Australia Council Compostable Bag Requirements by State
Australia does not apply compostable bag rules uniformly across the country.
While national bodies set waste and sustainability direction, state governments regulate plastic bags, and local councils decide what is accepted in their waste systems.
As a result, a compostable bag that is certified and legally sold in one state may still be restricted or rejected by councils in another.
This page explains Australia council compostable bag requirements by state, focusing on how councils evaluate compostable bags for FOGO, organics, and general waste systems, and what procurement teams, contractors, and suppliers must consider before sourcing or supplying these products.
Why Council Requirements Differ by State in Australia
Australia’s waste and packaging system operates on multiple levels:
- National level – Provides waste reduction targets and packaging guidance
- State & territory level – Enforces plastic bag bans and material restrictions
- Council level – Determines actual acceptance in waste collection and processing systems
Because councils contract different waste processors and composting facilities, acceptance rules vary even within the same state.
This structure makes council-level requirements the final authority for compostable bag acceptance.
How Councils Decide Whether Compostable Bags Are Accepted
In practice, councils evaluate compostable bags using three key checks:
1. Australian Standards
Does the bag meet the correct Australian Standard, such as AS 4736 (industrial composting) or AS 5810 (home composting)?
2. State Plastic Bag Regulations
Is the bag type restricted or banned under state legislation (for example, lightweight shopping bags)?
3. Local Waste System Rules
Does the council’s waste contractor or composting facility allow compostable liners in collection?
A bag may be certified and legally sold, yet still be rejected by a council waste system.
For procurement and compliance, council acceptance always overrides marketing claims.
For national context, see: Australia Council Compostable Bag Requirements
State-by-State Council Compostable Bag Requirements
Below is a high-level overview of how council compostable bag requirements differ by state.
For procurement decisions, local council guidelines should always be confirmed.
New South Wales (NSW)
In New South Wales, compostable liners may be accepted in some FOGO systems, depending on council policy and composting facility rules.
Acceptance varies significantly between councils, even within the same region. Some councils allow AS 4736-certified liners, while others require loose organics.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria enforces some of the strictest plastic bag bans in Australia and applies tight controls on FOGO systems.
Many Victorian councils restrict or prohibit the use of compostable liners in organics collection, regardless of certification. Council approval is critical before supply.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland regulations focus primarily on shopping bag durability, thickness, and reuse, rather than material claims alone.
Compostable certification does not automatically guarantee council acceptance, particularly for retail-style bags. Councils assess acceptance based on use case and waste stream.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia places strong emphasis on correct labelling and certified compostable claims.
Misuse of terms such as “biodegradable” without recognised certification is a common compliance risk. Councils closely assess labelling, certification, and intended use.
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia enforces broad plastic bag bans with limited exemptions.
Compostable bags are assessed mainly by bag type and intended use, not sustainability claims. Council and facility approval is required for liners used in organics systems.
What This Means for Council Procurement & Suppliers
For councils, contractors, importers, and distributors, compostable bag compliance is a procurement decision, not a marketing one.
Key points to consider:
- Certification alone does not guarantee acceptance
- State legality does not override council rules
- Waste system compatibility is critical
- Incorrect supply creates compliance and contract risk
Suppliers and importers are often held responsible when bags are mislabelled or supplied for the wrong application.
Related Council & FOGO Compliance Resources
To support procurement and compliance decisions, you may also refer to:
- Australia Council Compostable Bag Requirements
- FOGO Compostable Bags – AS 4736 & AS 5810 Explained
- Council Bin Liners Australia – Procurement & Tender Guide
These resources provide additional context on standards, waste systems, and tender requirements.
FAQ
No. Acceptance depends on council policy and the waste processing facility used.
No. AS 4736 is often required, but councils may still prohibit liners.
Yes. A compostable bag may still be banned if it falls under restricted bag categories.
In most cases, suppliers and importers carry compliance responsibility.
Australia council compostable bag requirements are shaped by state regulation and council-level waste systems, not by certification alone.
Compliance is not about choosing a “green” product.
It is about supplying the right bag, for the right use, within the right council system.
Understanding these differences helps councils, contractors, and suppliers reduce risk and support compliant waste outcomes across Australia.
