Last week, the Victorian Government officially commenced the regulation of the ban on the sale or supply of single-use plastic items as part of its recycling reform policy.
So, you should no longer see the following plastic versions of the following items in your local shops and restaurants:
- Drinking straws
- Cutlery
- Plates
- Drink stirrers
- Cotton bud sticks
- Expanded polystyrene food service items
- Expanded polystyrene drink containers
The ban applies to conventional, degradable and compostable plastics.
The single-use plastic items ban applies to all retailers, including:
- Restaurants, cafes and food outlets
- Convenience stores
- Not for profit organisations
- Sports clubs
- Schools
The ban is a result of environment protection laws which protect Victoria's environment and wildlife from plastic pollution.
Please note, people/institutions who need single-use plastic drinking straws or cutlery due to disability or medical or safety requirements needs, can still purchase and use these items.
For more information, please visit EPA Victoria