South Australia Compostable Bag Regulations & Biodegradable Requirements (2025 Guide)
Table of Contents
South Australia has some of the strongest rules in Australia for managing plastic waste. If you use, sell, or supply compostable bags here, understanding these rules matters. I wrote this guide to help you see what is allowed, what is banned, and why councils may have different rules.
This page explains compostable bag regulations specific to South Australia. For an overview of national standards and requirements across Australia, see
Australia Compostable Bags Requirements.
Legal Framework in South Australia
South Australia regulates compostable and biodegradable bags through state laws and council guidelines. The goal is simple: reduce plastic pollution and keep the green organics system clean.
The state uses three layers of rules:
Statewide single-use plastics ban
DEW compostable guidelines
SA council compostable guidelines for green organics bins
Each one matters, and each one affects how your compostable bag can be used.
Statewide Plastic Ban in South Australia
South Australia began banning single-use plastics in stages starting in 2021. Each new stage added more items.
Some examples include:
plastic cutlery
plastic straws
polystyrene cups
some takeaway food items
certain plastic barrier bags
A key detail: not every compostable plastic is allowed. And not every biodegradable bag is legal.
Many people assume “compostable” means “approved.” It doesn’t always work that way here.
What the Law Says About Compostable Bags
Here is what the law says in plain words:
A biodegradable bag is not the same as a compostable bag.
Biodegradable bags can break down into small plastic pieces. Councils do not want this in green bins.
Only certified compostable bags may be accepted.
Labels like “eco-bag” or “green bag” are not enough.
South Australia treats misleading claims seriously. If a bag pretends to be compostable without proper certification, it may be illegal.
Who Must Comply With South Australia’s Compostable Bag Regulations
South Australia’s compostable bag rules apply to more than just households.
In practice, compliance responsibility often falls on:
- Importers and overseas manufacturers
- Brand owners and private-label suppliers
- Packaging wholesalers and distributors
- Supermarkets and fresh food retailers
- Councils and waste service contractors
If a non-compliant bag is supplied, liability may sit with the supplier or importer, even if the product is marketed as “compostable” or “environmentally friendly”.
For B2B buyers, compostable bags in South Australia are a compliance and procurement issue, not just a sustainability choice.
Compostable Standards in SA: AS 4736 and AS 5810
AS 4736 — Industrial Composting Requirements
This means the bag can break down in a commercial composting facility.
In South Australia, many councils use industrial composting, so AS 4736 bags are usually the safest option.
AS 5810 — Home Composting Requirements
This means the bag can break down in a home compost bin.
Some SA councils allow AS 5810 bags, but not all.
I always suggest checking the local rules before using them in a green organics bin.
Misleading Claims to Avoid
A certified compostable bag breaks down into simple organic matter.
A biodegradable bag may not.
The state wants compost, not microplastic.
What Types of Compostable Bags Are Allowed or Banned
South Australia accepts some compostable bags and bans others.
Here is a simple guide.
Allowed bags
AS 4736 certified compostable bags
AS 5810 certified compostable bags (in some councils)
Certified compostable barrier bags for fresh produce
Compostable kitchen caddy liners from councils
Banned or restricted
Any bag labeled “biodegradable” but not certified
Degradable plastic bags
Non-certified compostable bags
Some compostable food-service plastics
Compostable items that cannot be processed by SA facilities
If a bag cannot break down cleanly in South Australia’s waste system, it is not allowed.
How B2B Buyers Should Select Compostable Bags for South Australia
For bulk buyers and suppliers, selecting compostable bags for South Australia requires more than checking a label.
Key procurement considerations include:
1. Product type
Kitchen caddy liners
Compostable bin liners
Produce or barrier bags
Shopping bags and packaging
Each category is treated differently under SA regulations.
2. Certification
AS 4736 is generally preferred for industrial composting systems
AS 5810 may be accepted by some councils
Certification must be clearly displayed and verifiable
3. Council acceptance
Even certified compostable bags may be rejected if the local composting facility does not accept liners.
4. Labelling and documentation
Clear certification logos
Honest disposal instructions
Supporting certificates or test reports available on request
For large-scale supply, buyers should confirm council compatibility before purchase, not after delivery.
FOGO and Organics Collection in South Australia
Most households in SA have a green organics bin.
This is where certified compostable bags matter most.
Here is how councils usually treat compostable liners:
They accept AS 4736 kitchen caddy liners.
They may accept AS 5810 liners if clearly marked.
They reject biodegradable liners, even if they look similar.
Some councils give residents free compostable caddy bags.
Some councils ban all plastic-like liners, including compostable ones.
Why the difference?
Not all composting facilities use the same process. Some accept liners. Others do not.
Adelaide Compostable Bag Rules
If you live or sell products in Adelaide, you might have noticed the rules are clear but strict:
Only certified compostable bags can go in the green organics bin.
Bags must display a clear AS 4736 or AS 5810 logo.
Biodegradable bags are not accepted in the city’s compost program.
Some councils collect food scraps only if liners meet SA compostable bin liner regulations.
This is one reason I always tell suppliers: “Check the council, not just the state law.”
South Australia DEW Compostable Guidelines
DEW (Department for Environment and Water) provides guidance on compostable plastics.
Here are the key points:
A compostable product must be certified, not just “claimed.”
Labels must be clear and honest.
A compostable product must have a real disposal pathway in SA.
Councils should accept only items they can actually compost.
DEW’s message is simple:
Compostable items should help the system, not complicate it.
South Australian Waste Management & Compostable Materials
South Australia has one of the strongest organics processing systems in the country. Many councils already compost food scraps at scale.
What this means for you:
SA accepts certified compostable bags more widely than many states.
But the state also limits compostable plastics that cause confusion.
The long-term trend favors clear certification and responsible supply.
If you produce or sell compostable bags, SA is a good market — as long as your bags meet the rules.
Compliance Risk for Suppliers and Importers in South Australia
South Australia treats misleading environmental claims seriously.
Supplying a non-compliant compostable bag may lead to:
- Product removal or rejection
- Fines or enforcement action
- Contract disputes with councils or commercial clients
- Long-term reputational damage
Common risk areas include:
- Using “biodegradable” claims without recognised standards
- Supplying bags that cannot be processed by SA facilities
- Assuming certification guarantees council acceptance
Many suppliers reduce risk by working with manufacturers who can provide compliance-ready specifications and documentation, not just products.
Compliance Checklist for Suppliers (Importers / Manufacturers)
Here is a simple checklist I use when I review products for SA markets:
Step 1 — Confirm your certifications
AS 4736
AS 5810
Make sure logos are clear and valid.
Step 2 — Identify the product type
shopping bag
barrier bag
bin liner
caddy liner
food packaging
Each category has different rules.
Step 3 — Review state restrictions
Check if your product fits under SA’s single-use plastics laws.
Step 4 — Check council requirements
Adelaide may allow a bag that another council does not.
Never assume all councils accept the same items.
Step 5 — Prepare compliance documents
Suppliers should keep certifications and test reports ready.
This builds trust — and helps avoid fines.
FAQ
Yes, certified compostable bags (AS 4736 or AS 5810) are legal in most cases.
Yes, if they meet the standards your council accepts.
No. Most biodegradable bags are rejected and cannot go in green bins.
No. Rules vary. Some accept AS 4736 liners. Others ban all liners.
Look for the AS 4736 or AS 5810 certification symbol.
Conclusion
South Australia supports compostable solutions — as long as they are certified, clearly labeled, and suitable for the state’s composting system.
If you use or supply compostable bags here, the safest path is simple:
- Choose certified bags.
- Follow DEW guidance.
- Check council rules.
When you understand the system, compostable bags work well for both businesses and the community.
Request Compliance-Ready Compostable Bag Supply for South Australia
If you are sourcing compostable bags for South Australia — especially for council programs, wholesale, or regulated use — please share your requirements below.
Our team can assist with:
- AS 4736 / AS 5810 compliant bag specifications
- Council-compatible compostable liners
- Bulk manufacturing and stable supply
- Documentation support for audits and procurement
