In March 2021, the ACT Government passed the Plastic Reduction Act 2021 to reduce single-use plastics in the territory. To clarify the Act's implementation, the government released a document called 'Phasing out single-use plastics' Next Steps Policy in November 2021, which is easy to understand and accessible to the public.

The policy outlines the existing bans and the upcoming restrictions for single-use plastics in the ACT, as well as other measures to help reduce landfill waste. However, there are some exemptions to the ban, including:

Individuals with medical or health needs can still be supplied with single-use plastic straws without proof of their condition. Healthcare providers such as hospitals, aged care or disability facilities, or pharmacies can display and provide single-use plastic straws.
Cotton buds with plastic sticks can still be supplied for scientific, forensic, or medical purposes where alternatives are unsuitable.
Integrated packaging items that are part of pre-packaging, such as plastic straws attached to the side of a juice box or a plastic spoon included with a yogurt tub, are exempt.
Gelato retailers can still supply expanded polystyrene gelato tubs until 30 June 2023.
Single-use plastic cutlery can still be used in specific detainee or mental health patient settings for safety reasons.
Domestic use items purchased before the ban can still be used in a domestic setting, such as for family picnics or in school lunchboxes.