VICTORIA’S SINGLE-USE PLASTICS BAN TO COMMENCE 1 FEBRUARY 2023

To help stop plastic pollution, the Victorian Government is banning single-use plastic straws, cutlery, plates, drink-stirrers, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers and cotton bud sticks from 1 February 2023.

The ban will apply to items that are made from conventional plastic, as well as degradable and compostable plastics – such as bioplastics.

We encourage your business to start preparing for the ban now:

• Run down stocks of banned items, and avoid ordering any more
• Consider what you will sell or use instead of banned items – this could include not providing these items, switching to reusable items or choosing alternative single-use items, such as those made from bamboo, wood or paper 
• Sign up for updates by clicking ‘follow’ and entering your email on this page

• Single-use plastic straws will remain available for people who need them due to a disability or for medical reasons.

• The Victorian Government is now considering feedback received during public consultation in April-May, with the regulations to be finalised later this year, ahead of the ban commencing on 1 February 2023.

• Further guidance on the ban will be provided once regulations are finalised.

• More information can be found here – Single-use plastics ban | Victorian Government