01 February 2023
Single use plastics banned in Victoria
Single use plastics are banned from sale or supply in Victoria from 1 February 2023.
Single-use plastics are a poor use of resources. They are often used for only a few minutes and generate significant waste that is not recyclable. They also pollute the environment – harming wildlife and contaminating our food and water. With less litter and waste, the risk to human health and the environment can be reduced.
From 1 February 2023, the following single-use plastic items are banned from sale and supply in Victoria:
- Drinking straws
- Cutlery
- Plates
- Drink stirrers
- Cotton bud sticks
- Expanded polystyrene food service items and drink containers.
It is the responsibility of all Victorian businesses and organisations to comply with the regulations and not sell, supply, distribute or provide banned single-use plastic items, including to patrons or customers.
Exemptions
There are specific exemptions where single-use plastic items can continue to be used in Victoria, for example, single-use drinking straws can continue to be used by individuals with a disability or other medical need.
There are five exemptions where banned single-use plastic items can continue to be used in Victoria. These are for specific circumstances where items are required for health and safety reasons or where suitable alternatives to a sub-set of banned items are not currently available.
- Single-use plastic drinking straws for people who need them due to a disability or for medical reasons
- Single-use plastic cotton bud sticks for testing carried out for scientific, medical, forensic or law enforcement purposes
- Single-use plastic cutlery, where required, in correctional and mental health facilities to prevent physical harm or injury
- Until 1 November 2024 paper or cardboard plates lined with plastic
- Until 1 January 2026 any single-use plastic item that is integrated into food or drink packaging (e.g. a single-use plastic spoon included in a yogurt tub).
ADAVB promotes the role we all have to play in reducing harm to the environment. Despite this ban applying to sellers, suppliers, providers and distributors, we can do our part by looking at what we currently use, what stock we have on hand and sourcing suitable sustainable alternatives where available. It is expected that in industry, as is the case in hospitality, alternative products will be developed where possible.
You can do your bit too. Switch from mailbox to inbox and receive your Victorian Dentist electronically. Every little bit helps. Log in to adavb.org/mypreferences to update your print mail preferences.
Further information
There is a range of resources available online to help you prepare for the single-use plastics ban, including guides, factsheets and posters:
- www.vic.gov.au/single-use-plastics
- www.vic.gov.au/single-use-plastics-ban-resources
- www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/recycling-and-reducing-waste/at-home/avoid-waste/minimise-single-use-items
