Single Use Plastic Ban – Victoria

As you may be aware, from 1 February 2023, the Victorian government is introducing a ban on some single use plastic items. With the ban coming into effect next month, we are encouraging all businesses and organisations to prepare for the ban now and access the help available if needed.

About the ban

From 1 February 2023, the following items are banned in Victoria:

Note: Some exemptions apply to specific items. Compostable plastic or ‘plant-based’ plastic alternatives are included in the ban. Manufacturers of reusable plastic items will need to supply a written warranty (or similar written representation) of at least 1 year.

The single use plastic ban will apply to all businesses and organisations, and includes retailers, suppliers, importers, not-for-profits, government, online marketplaces, and community groups.

Preparation for the single use plastics ban

To prepare your baking business for the upcoming ban start running down current stocks of the banned items and avoid ordering any more. Speak with your packaging supplier (if you use one) to discuss the alternatives for your next order consider reusable items. When you must use a single-use item consider using items made from materials such as bamboo, wood, or paper (Forest Stewardship Council certified where applicable).

Avoiding single-use plastics is the cheapest and simplest option a business can take but for businesses where avoidance is not possible, reuse alternatives are a good option.

Accepting reusables at your business

Individual businesses can decide whether or not to allow customers to use their own containers to take away retail products. Retail businesses should consider all applicable food safety standards to put measures in place to ensure the use of reusable containers does not impact the safety or suitability of retail products for human consumption. 

Your business could accept and encourage customers with these reusable solutions to prepare for the single use plastics ban:

• Drinking straws – BYO straw especially for items such as bubble tea or smoothies.
• Plastic plates – BYO food container including bowls or plates, especially regular customers.
• Expanded polystyrene food containers – BYO food container including bowls or plates or offer a reusable container service for takeaway.
• Expanded polystyrene drink cups – BYO cups or offer a reusable cup service for takeaway.
• Plastic cutlery including knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks, sporks, splades and food picks – dine in rather than use takeaway cutlery or BYO cutlery.

Help for businesses

The Victorian Government has engaged The National Retail Association (NRA) to help impacted businesses understand and prepare for the ban.
 
We recommend that businesses and organisations: