Single-use Plastic Ban

The Victorian Government banned single-use plastics from sale and supply from 1 February 2023. This includes drinking straws, cutlery and plates, drink stirrers and sticks, cotton bud sticks and expanded polystyrene food and drink containers.

Items made from conventional, degradable and compostable plastics, including bioplastic and oxo-degradable materials are also included in the ban. The ban applies to retail and hospitality businesses, suppliers and other businesses, organisations and not-for-profits such as hospitals, sports clubs and schools.

There are many great reusable options and alternative single use items to be considered.

Ideas for events:

• Wash Against Waste – a Mount Alexander Sustainability Group initiative reducing the amount of waste generated at community events, servicing Castlemaine and surrounds.
• Waste Against Waste - a Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group initiative servicing Macedon Ranges and surrounds. 
• B-Alternative – helps reduce the footprint of festivals and events through reusable cutlery, crockery and glassware.
• Green My Plate – supplies reusable plates and bowls as well as wash stations and staff to events, venues and schools.
• Better Cup – works with all types of hospitality customers to deliver reusable solutions.

Here are some useful resources:

• A range of resources to guide your business - including benefits, guides and webinar case studies.
• Top tips to prepare your hospitality business - useful for food operators at events.
• Free posters - to help communicate to the public. 
• Victorian Government - single use plastics.