Victoria’s ban on the sale and supply of single-use plastic items is now in place, applying to all businesses and organisations.
From 1 February, "single-use plastic drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers and cotton bud sticks made from conventional, degradable and compostable plastics will be banned in Victoria".
The ban also applies to food service items and drink containers made from expanded polystyrene.
Sustainability Victoria (SV) is supporting the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in the delivery of the single-use plastic ban, providing a complementary focus on increasing reuse across the hospitality industry.
“SV is focused on promoting the uptake of reusables within the hospitality industry, as well as waste avoidance,” said Matt Genever, interim CEO of SV.
Associate professor at Monash University, Ruth Lane, welcomed the ban, saying it has been a long time coming.
“Our research with householders trying to reduce their waste found that plastic packaging is one of their biggest challenges. It has to be assisted by regulating the practice of retailers to prompt different approaches,” Lane said.
“Driving change isn’t easy, but the single-use plastic ban is a critical step on our sustainability journey to secure the future health of our environment, and in turn, our society,” added associate professor at Monash, Megan Farrelly.
