Single Use Plastics Ban

State Government regulations have now been made to ban problematic single-use plastics from sale or supply in Victoria from 1 February 2023. The ban applies to single-use plastic drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers and cotton bud sticks made from conventional, degradable, and compostable plastics. The ban also applies to food service items and drink containers made from expanded polystyrene.

Council encourages local businesses and organisations to get ready for the single-use plastic ban before it starts on 1 February 2023 by:

• Running down stocks of banned items, and not ordering more.
• Considering whether these single-use items still need to be provided.
• Considering introducing alternatives, such as reusable items.
• Identifying suitable single use alternatives ahead of the ban – and ordering now to avoid potential supply issues.

Starting from 21 October, the National Retail Association will hold weekly Q&A sessions every Friday at 11am AEDT. These sessions are open to all impacted businesses to ask questions about the ban and how to prepare.

Council’s Business Support team is on hand if your business needs assistance to comply with the ban, or if you have any questions or concerns about how the ban will affect your business. Officers will be visiting local retail and hospitality businesses over the coming weeks and months to raise awareness of the ban and to distribute posters that will help your customers understand the upcoming changes.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Council on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or email business.support@basscoast.vic.gov.au for more information or if you have any queries.