Victoria Compostable Bag Regulations & Biodegradable Requirements (2025 Guide)
Table of Contents
Victoria has clear rules for how compostable and biodegradable bags can be supplied and used. These rules come from the statewide plastic bag ban and waste laws that aim to reduce pollution and improve organics recycling.
This guide explains the Victoria compostable bag regulations, the Victorian biodegradable requirements, how AS 4736 and AS 5810 standards apply, and how local councils manage compostable bin liners under FOGO programs. It brings together information from DELWP guidance, council waste rules, and current Victoria waste management laws.
National Context: For a comprehensive overview of Australia’s compostable bag standards (AS 4736 & AS 5810) and wider requirements across different states, see our main Australia Compostable Bags Requirements.
Legal Framework in Victoria
Victoria regulates plastic bags through a mix of state laws and local council rules. Two major laws shape the current system:
Lightweight Plastic Bag Ban (started in 2019)
Victoria banned lightweight shopping bags with handles that are 35 microns or less, including:
- degradable bags
- biodegradable bags
- compostable bags
Under the ban, these bags cannot be supplied by retailers or hospitality venues. The ban covers bags made from any material if they meet the definition of a lightweight plastic shopping bag.
Single-Use Plastics Ban (from 2023 onward)
Victoria also restricts a group of single-use plastic items, including some compostable and biodegradable plastic products.
The state considers some compostable plastics as “problematic” because they can contaminate recycling systems or do not break down well in real-world conditions.
Role of DELWP, EPA, and Councils
- DELWP (now part of the Department of Environment) sets policy and waste guidelines.
- EPA Victoria enforces environmental rules.
Together, these bodies shape how compostable packaging and bin liners must be used in Victoria.
Who Must Comply With Victoria’s Compostable Bag Rules
Victoria’s compostable and biodegradable bag regulations affect more than retailers.
In practice, compliance responsibility often falls on procurement and supply chain decision-makers, including:
- Local council waste contractors
- FOGO service providers
- Supermarkets and fresh food retailers
- Hospitality groups and catering suppliers
- Packaging wholesalers and importers
- Facility managers for multi-unit housing
For these organisations, non-compliant bags can result in rejected collections, contract disputes, or reputational risk, even when products are marketed as “eco-friendly.”
How B2B Buyers Should Select Compostable Bags in Victoria
For bulk buyers, selecting compostable bags in Victoria requires more than checking a logo.
Key procurement criteria include:
1. Purpose-specific design
- Kitchen caddy liners (FOGO only)
- Organics bin liners (commercial settings)
- Produce bags (often restricted)
- Shopping bags (generally banned if lightweight)
2. Certification relevance
- AS 4736 for commercial composting systems
- AS 5810 only where home composting is accepted
- Certification must match the intended disposal pathway
3. Council compatibility
Even AS-certified bags may be rejected by certain councils.
Procurement teams should verify acceptance with the target council or processor, not rely on national standards alone.
4. Labelling and documentation
- Visible certification logos
- Clear disposal instructions
- Test reports available on request
Biodegradable vs Compostable in Victorian Law
Why “Biodegradable” Bags Are Not Accepted
Many bags sold as “biodegradable” do not meet Victoria’s legal standards.
The state considers these bags risky because they:
do not break down fully
leave residue
contaminate organics and recycling streams
As a result, biodegradable bags are treated as non-compliant in most Victorian council waste guidelines.
Accepted Compostable Standards: AS 4736 and AS 5810
Compostable bags in Victoria should follow:
AS 4736 (commercial composting)
AS 5810 (home composting)
These standards help councils identify safe compostable bin liners for food organics programs.
But meeting a standard does not automatically mean a bag is legal for use as a shopping bag.
For shopping bags, the plastic ban rules still apply.
What Types of Compostable Bags Are Banned or Restricted
Lightweight Compostable Shopping Bags
Even if a bag is certified compostable, it is banned when it meets the definition of a lightweight shopping bag.
This rule applies to:
- compostable plastic shopping bags
- biodegradable shopping bags
- degradable shopping bags
Single-Use Compostable Items
Some compostable food service items, packaging, and liners are restricted under Victoria’s broader waste rules.
Restrictions follow environmental concerns about contamination and poor breakdown in landfill.
Draft Household Waste Service Standard
Recent draft standards show a trend toward tighter control of compostable materials.
Some councils and draft policies question whether any compostable plastic liner, even AS 4736-certified, should be placed in kerbside FOGO bins.
This causes confusion for residents and suppliers, which this guide helps address.
FOGO in Victoria: When Compostable Bags Are Accepted
Victoria is rolling out FOGO across all councils. Under the circular economy plan, every household will eventually receive a food and garden organics service.
Common FOGO Rules Across Victoria
Many councils allow compostable caddy liners only if they are:
- certified to AS 4736 or AS 5810
- lime-green or marked clearly
- labelled with certification logos
- used only for food scraps, not general waste
These rules come from Victoria DELWP compostable guidelines and council waste management frameworks.
Councils That Accept Compostable Liners
Some councils accept compostable liners because they improve participation and keep bins clean.
These councils usually publish specific Victoria compostable bin liner regulations.
Councils That Do Not Accept Any Compostable Liners
Many large councils—especially in metropolitan Melbourne—do not allow any compostable plastic liners, even if certified.
These councils often require:
paper towels
newspaper wraps
food scraps placed directly into the caddy
This variation makes it important for suppliers to check council-level rules.
Melbourne Compostable Bag Rules
Melbourne councils often have stricter rules due to contamination issues.
Some councils:
allow only AS 4736 compostable caddy liners
require lime-green certified liners
limit compostable materials in kerbside systems
ban all compostable plastic bags, even certified ones
Residents often express confusion on social media about why “approved” compostable bags are still rejected.
The reason is simple: each council has different processing facilities and different contamination limits.
Victorian Waste Management: Risks and Opportunities
Contamination Risks
Contamination is one of the biggest challenges in Victoria’s FOGO rollout.
Biodegradable bags, uncertified compostable bags, and look-alike liners increase processing costs and reduce compost quality.
When Compostable Bags Are Useful
Compostable liners provide value when:
councils accept them
processing facilities support them
residents understand how to use them correctly
Market Trend
The trend in Victoria is a mix of:
- stricter rules on problematic plastics, including some compostable plastics
- continued use of certified bags where they fit FOGO needs
This means suppliers must stay informed and adapt product lines to council requirements.
Compliance Checklist for Suppliers and Businesses
A clear checklist helps manufacturers and distributors meet Victoria compostable bag regulations:
Step 1 — Identify the Bag Type
Shopping bag, produce bag, caddy liner, bin liner, or packaging.
Step 2 — Check State-Level Rules
Lightweight bag ban
Single-use plastic restrictions
Victorian biodegradable requirements
Step 3 — Check Certifications
Use AS 4736 or AS 5810 where required for FOGO programs.
Step 4 — Confirm Local Council Rules
Rules vary between Melbourne suburbs and regional councils.
This step is essential for compostable bin liners.
Step 5 — Use Clear Labelling
Show certification logos and avoid unclear claims like “eco bag” or “biodegradable.”
Request Compliance-Ready Compostable Bag Supply
For councils, wholesalers, and commercial procurement projects in Victoria. We do not recommend compostable bags for councils that do not accept them.
If you are sourcing compostable bags for Victoria—especially for FOGO programs or regulated use—please provide your requirements below.
Our team can assist with:
- AS 4736 / AS 5810 certified products
- Council-compatible bag specifications
- Bulk manufacturing and stable long-term supply
- Documentation support for procurement and audits
FAQ
Yes. Many councils and waste contractors require suppliers to provide AS 4736 or AS 5810 certification documents and test reports as part of procurement or contract compliance.
Compostable shopping bags are banned if they count as lightweight plastic bags. Some compostable bin liners are allowed under specific council rules.
Only if the council accepts them and they meet AS 4736 or AS 5810 standards.
No. Some councils accept certified liners, while others allow no compostable plastics.
Most biodegradable bags do not meet legal requirements and cannot be used as shopping bags.
No. They require composting conditions, not landfill conditions.
Conclusion
Victoria’s compostable bag regulations are shaped by a combination of state bans, waste policy, and council-level FOGO systems.
For businesses, councils, and suppliers, compliance is not only about meeting a standard—it is about ensuring the right product is used in the right system.
As Victoria continues to tighten controls on problematic plastics, procurement teams must:
- Understand state and council-level requirements
- Select purpose-specific, certified products
- Work with suppliers who can support compliance over time
This guide is designed to support informed procurement decisions while contributing to better waste and recycling outcomes across Victoria.
