PLASTIC pollution harms the environment, our health and our wildlife. That is why from February 2023, the state government will ban single-use plastics from sale or supply in Victoria.
The ban applies to single-use plastic drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers and cotton bud sticks that are made from conventional, degradable and compostable plastics. This ban includes food service items and drink containers made from expanded polystyrene.
Recognising that people with disabilities or medical needs may still require these single-use items for their quality of life, exemptions have been made whereby those people can still purchase and use these items.
People with disabilities and the people who support them (including support workers, service providers, family members or friends) will be able to purchase straws from retailers but will need to request these as they will not be accessible to the public without the assistance of a staff member.
There is no requirement for individuals to provide verification of disability or medical need when requesting straws.
