NSW Compostable Bag Regulations & Biodegradable Requirements (2025 Guide)
Table of Contents
New South Wales has set clear rules for how compostable and biodegradable bags can be used across the state. These rules are part of the wider NSW plastic ban, which aims to cut down waste and support safer choices for food scraps and organic material.
This guide explains the NSW compostable bag regulations, the biodegradable requirements set by state law, and how AS 4736 and AS 5810 standards apply. It also highlights council expectations, EPA guidance, and practical notes for businesses working with compostable bin liners in NSW.
NSW Plastic Ban
NSW has banned many single-use plastics to reduce pollution. As part of this policy, regular biodegradable bags are not accepted unless they meet strict standards.
Key points include:
Oxo-degradable and “degradable” bags are not allowed.
Only certified compostable bags are accepted for food waste programs.
Some applications require AS 4736-certified bags to meet commercial composting needs.
These rules help ensure that only safe and proven materials enter the NSW waste and recycling system.
What Compostable Bags Are Allowed in NSW
Under NSW biodegradable packaging laws, compostable bags must meet one of the approved Australian standards:
AS 4736 for commercial composting
AS 5810 for home composting
These standards confirm that the bag breaks down into natural material without leaving harmful residue. Bags must also follow NSW compostable bin liner requirements, which may include:
Clear labeling
Approved certification marks
Correct bag thickness
No misleading claims
Using incorrect bags can lead to contamination in council food waste streams.
For businesses supplying councils or distributors, using the wrong standard may lead to rejection even if the bag appears compostable.
NSW EPA Compostable Guidelines
The NSW EPA provides guidance to help councils and suppliers select the right products. According to the EPA, compostable bags must:
Be certified under AS 4736 or AS 5810
Be used only where councils allow them
Be free from heavy metals and unsafe additives
Break down fully in approved composting systems
These NSW EPA compostable guidelines support consistency across local programs and reduce confusion for households and businesses.
NSW Council Compostable Bag Rules
Each council in NSW may set its own rules for compostable bags. Some councils accept only AS 4736 bags for food waste bins, while others allow both AS 4736 and AS 5810 depending on their processing facilities.
Most councils require:
Bags used in kitchen caddies to be fully compostable
Certification logos to be easy to read
No use of regular biodegradable bags
Because requirements vary, businesses often check local council rules before supplying compostable products.
From a supply perspective, councils usually assess compostable bags based on the composting facility they work with. This is why many tenders specify AS 4736 rather than general “compostable” wording.
AS 4736 vs AS 5810: Which Standard Should Buyers Choose?
This is one of the most common questions from buyers supplying compostable bags in NSW.
AS 4736 and AS 5810 are both accepted in New South Wales, but they serve different purposes.
- AS 4736 is designed for commercial composting systems.
It is commonly required by councils and large food waste programs. - AS 5810 is designed for home composting.
It is usually used for retail products aimed at household use.
In practice:
- Councils and waste contractors often prefer AS 4736.
- Retail and consumer products may use AS 5810, but acceptance still depends on local council rules.
For buyers, choosing the correct standard early helps avoid relabeling, rejected samples, or failed council reviews.
Compostable Bags for Food Waste in NSW
Food waste collection in NSW relies on clear guidance to keep organic bins clean. Compostable bags for food waste must meet the right standard for the council’s system.
Approved bags help:
Reduce contamination
Keep kitchen caddies clean
Improve compost quality
If a bag is not certified, it may be rejected by the collection service.
Recycling and Waste Regulations in NSW
Compostable bags are not the same as recyclable bags. NSW waste rules state:
Compostable bags belong in organic waste bins
They should not be mixed with recycling
Non-certified biodegradable bags can disrupt the system
By keeping compostable and recyclable streams separate, councils can protect compost quality and reduce sorting problems.
Documents Buyers Usually Need for NSW Supply
For businesses supplying compostable bags in NSW, certification alone is often not enough. Buyers and councils may request supporting documents during evaluation.
Commonly requested documents include:
- AS 4736 or AS 5810 certification copies
- Test summaries from accredited labs
- Product specifications (size, thickness, material)
- Label artwork showing certification marks
- Statements confirming no oxo-degradable additives
Having these documents ready helps buyers move faster from sample testing to approval.
How We Support NSW-Compliant Solutions
From a manufacturing perspective, supporting NSW-compliant supply means more than producing certified material. It includes helping buyers match the right standard, prepare documentation, and test samples before volume orders.
Providing proof of certification
Supporting correct labeling
Understanding council guidelines
Offering bags suitable for NSW food waste programs
These steps help buyers choose products that align with NSW compostable bag regulations and biodegradable requirements.
FAQ
Yes. Compostable bags for food waste are allowed when they meet AS 4736 or AS 5810 standards and the local council accepts them.
Yes. NSW regulations focus on certification and performance, not manufacturing location. Overseas suppliers can supply compliant products with proper certification.
NSW follows AS 4736 for commercial composting and AS 5810 for home composting.
No. Under NSW biodegradable packaging laws, non-certified biodegradable bags are not accepted.
No. NSW council compostable bag rules vary. Some councils accept only AS 4736 bags.
No. Compostable bin liners belong in organic waste bins only.
Most councils and commercial composting facilities prefer AS 4736, but requirements may vary by region.
For businesses looking to supply AS 4736 or AS 5810 certified compostable bags for NSW markets, support is available to meet state and council requirements.
Conclusion
NSW compostable bag regulations are clear, but correct application depends on use case, council rules, and composting systems. For buyers, early checks on standards and documentation can save time and cost later in the process.
Sample testing and document review are often the first practical step before placing volume orders.
