Home → Council updates → What businesses and organisations need to know about the single use plastics ban

What businesses and organisations need to know about the single use plastics ban

Published on Tuesday, 20 December 2022
A graphic illustration of a reusable cloth bag, wooden cutlery, keep cup and metal straw

The Victorian State Government is implementing a single use plastics ban for businesses in 2023.

From Wednesday, 1 February 2023, Victorian businesses and organisations (including early childhood education and care services, schools and higher education, TAFEs and registered training organisations) will not be able to sell, supply or provide several single-use plastic items.

 

Items that will be banned from Wednesday 1 February 2023

The ban applies to the following single-use plastic items made from conventional, degradable or compostable plastics:

  • drinking straws
  • cutlery including knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks, sporks, splayds and food picks
  • plates
  • drink stirrers and sticks
  • cotton bud sticks.

 

The ban also applies to:

  • food service items and drink containers made from expanded polystyrene.

 

For more information on items that will be banned, refer to this fact sheet.

 

Exceptions to the ban

People who need single-use plastic drinking straws due to disability or medical needs will still be able to purchase and use these items. There is no requirement for individuals to verify disability or medical needs when requesting straws. Early childhood services can continue to purchase single-use plastic straws from their suppliers.

 

Support for business

The Victorian Government has engaged the National Retailers Association (NRA) to provide support for businesses to make this transition.

 

Free information sessions are being held online every Friday at 11am from October 2022 until February 2023. These sessions are run by the NRA and are designed for all businesses (of any size or type) to ‘pop in’, ask questions, receive practical advice, and see what other businesses are doing. Register for a session via Eventbrite.

 

For more information please visit Sustainability Victoria, call the NRA toll free hotline 1800 844 946 or email sustainability@nra.net.au.

 

Would you like tips to go green?

In preparation for the single-use plastics ban businesses can:

  • start running down current stocks of the banned items
  • avoid ordering any more of the single-use plastic items to be banned
  • speak with your packaging supplier (if you use one) to discuss the alternatives for your next order
  • consider alternatives such as reusable items
  • avoid single-use packaging where you can.

 

If your business is looking for other ways to go green, apply for our Business Energy Assessment to help you reduce carbon emissions and save money! You can also download PDF posters about using reusable cups, containers and straws and cutlery for businesses in Moonee Valley.

We welcome reusables PDF poster

Small acts make a big difference PDF poster

 

Latest News