From 1 February 2023, the Victorian Government is banning the sale and supply of single-use plastic items, including:
- plastic drinking straws
- plastic cutlery
- plastic plates
- plastic drink-stirrers and sticks
- polystyrene food service items and drink containers
- cotton bud sticks.
The ban also includes plastic items made from conventional, degradable and compostable materials, including bioplastics.
What's the reason for the ban?
Reducing plastic pollution is a key part of the Victorian Government's circular economy plan.
Many single-use plastic items contaminate recycling. They can often be easily avoided or replaced with reusable products.
By banning problematic single-use plastics, plastic pollution will be reduced.
Single-use plastics:
- make up one-third of the litter we see in our environment
- are difficult and costly to clean up
- are often used for only a few minutes but remain in the environment for a long time
- pollute the environment, harming wildlife and contaminating our food and water.
How our community can prepare for the ban
Remember to always take reusable alternatives with you when purchasing food and beverages from hospitality businesses, including things like:
- reusable containers or plates
- reusable cutlery
- reusable cups of bottles
- reusable straws.
How hospitality businesses can prepare for the ban
Information to support businesses in preparing for the single-use plastics ban can be found on our Plastic free businesses page.
