From 1 February 2023, single use items made from conventional plastic and degradable and compostable plastics, such as bioplastics, will be banned from sale or supply within Victoria.

The ban will be enacted by regulation, and is designed to reduce plastic pollution.

Single-use Items included in the ban:

• drinking straws
• cutlery
• plates
• drink stirrers and sticks
• cotton bud sticks
• expanded polystyrene food and drink service containers including plates, cups, bowls, clam shells and any cover or lid.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is advising businesses to prepare early by considering alternative and reusable items, such as paper or bamboo made items.

The choice to ban degradable and compostable plastics, such as bioplastics, was made as the impact of those plastics are harmful to wildlife and bioplastics often require specialised compost facilities to break the products down.

Further guidance will be released once regulations are finalised.