Australia Compostable Bags Requirements (2025 Compliance & Procurement Guide)
Australia does not have one single national law that covers compostable bags.
Instead, compostable and biodegradable bags are regulated through a mix of Australian Standards, state plastic bag bans, and local waste systems.
This often causes confusion.
A bag may be certified compostable, sold legally in one state, but rejected by a council in another.
This guide explains how Australia compostable bags requirements work in practice.
It focuses on compliance, correct use, and procurement decisions for businesses, importers, and bulk buyers.
Legal Framework for Compostable Bags in Australia
Australia regulates compostable bags through standards and state laws, not through a single federal ban.
At a national level, there is no law that says “this compostable bag is legal everywhere.”
Instead, the framework includes:
- Australian Standards (AS 4736 and AS 5810)
- State and territory plastic bag bans
- Organics and FOGO waste systems
- Local council implementation rules
National bodies help set direction on waste and packaging, but states decide what is banned, and councils decide what is accepted in collections.
This means compliance must be checked at three levels:
- Standard certification
- State regulations
Who Must Comply With Australia’s Compostable Bag Requirements
Compliance is not only the responsibility of consumers.
In practice, responsibility often falls on:
- Importers and overseas manufacturers
- Brand owners and private-label suppliers
- Packaging wholesalers and distributors
- Supermarkets and retail chains
- Hospitality and food service groups
- Councils and waste contractors
If a bag is mislabelled or supplied for the wrong use, the supplier or importer may carry the risk.
Claims such as “eco-friendly” or “biodegradable” do not protect against non-compliance.
For B2B buyers, compostable bags are a procurement and risk issue, not just a sustainability choice.
Australian Compostable Standards Explained (AS 4736 & AS 5810)
AS 4736 – Commercial / Industrial Composting
AS 4736 applies to products designed for industrial or commercial composting facilities.
This standard is commonly required for:
- Compostable bin liners
- Compostable caddy liners
- FOGO and organics programs
Where councils allow compostable liners, AS 4736 is usually the minimum requirement.
AS 5810 – Home Composting
AS 5810 applies to home composting conditions.
These products:
- Break down more slowly
- Are not designed for commercial facilities
- Are accepted in limited situations
AS 5810 certification does not guarantee acceptance in FOGO or council systems.
An Important Clarification
Meeting AS 4736 or AS 5810 does not override state plastic bag bans.
For example, a compostable shopping bag may still be banned if it meets the definition of a lightweight plastic bag.
What Types of Compostable Bags Are Restricted or Banned in Australia
Restrictions are based on use and design, not just material.
Lightweight Compostable Shopping Bags
Many states ban lightweight shopping bags regardless of whether they are compostable. Thickness, handles, and durability are key factors.
Compostable Produce Bags
Often restricted or closely controlled due to contamination risks.
Compostable Caddy Liners
Sometimes allowed in FOGO systems, but only when councils accept them and certification matches the processing facility.
Compostable Bin Liners
Common in commercial settings, but acceptance depends on waste contracts and processing rules.
Compostable Food Service Packaging
Some items are restricted due to poor breakdown or contamination issues.
State-Level Differences in Compostable Bag Regulations
Australia does not apply compostable bag rules uniformly. Each state sets its own plastic bag bans and waste requirements,
and councils enforce these rules through local collection systems.
Below is a state-level overview. For detailed guidance, see the relevant state page.
New South Wales
Compostable liners may be accepted in some FOGO systems, depending on council policy.
Victoria
Victoria applies some of the strictest plastic bag bans and tightly controls FOGO acceptance.
Queensland
Queensland focuses on shopping bag durability, thickness, and reuse rather than material claims.
South Australia
South Australia places strong emphasis on correct labelling and certified compostable claims.
Western Australia
Western Australia enforces broad plastic bag bans with limited exemptions.
Compostable Bags in FOGO and Organics Programs Across Australia
FOGO acceptance is a common source of confusion.
In practice, acceptance depends on three checks:
- Is the bag certified to the correct Australian Standard?
- Does the state or agency allow this type of product?
- Does the local council or composting facility accept it?
A compostable bag can meet AS 4736 and still be rejected if the local system does not allow plastic liners.
FOGO acceptance is a system decision, not a marketing claim.
Compliance Risks for Importers, Suppliers, and B2B Buyers
Common risks include:
- Overseas certification that does not meet Australian Standards
- Using “biodegradable” claims without recognised benchmarks
- Supplying compostable liners to councils that prohibit them
- Inconsistent quality in bulk production
These issues can lead to:
- Rejected waste collections
- Contract disputes
- Reputational damage
For many organisations, compliance failures cost more than the bags themselves.
Request Compliance-Ready Compostable Bag Supply
If you are sourcing compostable bags for Australia, especially for regulated or bulk use, provide your requirements clearly.
Support may include:
- AS 4736 or AS 5810 certified products
- Use-specific bag design
- Bulk manufacturing and stable supply
- Documentation for procurement and audits
FAQ
There is no single national rule. Legality depends on bag type, state bans, and intended use.
Most biodegradable bags do not meet recognised standards and are often treated as non-compliant.
AS 4736 is commonly required where compostable liners are accepted in FOGO or organics systems.
Only if the council and processing facility accept them.
No. They are designed for composting conditions, not landfill.
Australia’s compostable bag requirements are shaped by standards, state bans, and local waste systems.
Compliance is not about choosing a “green” product.
It is about using the right bag, for the right purpose, in the right system.
For businesses and suppliers, understanding this structure helps reduce risk and support better waste outcomes across Australia.
