The single use plastic ban begins soon
Published on 24 January 2023
Did you know from 1 February 2023, the State Government will be banning problematic single-use plastics for sale or supply in Victoria?
This includes the following items:
- Single-use plastic drinking straws and stirrers
- Single-use plastic cutlery
- Single-use plastic plates
- S ingle-use plastic cotton buds
- Food service items and drink containers made from expanded polystyrene.
Compostable plastic or ‘plant-based’ plastic alternatives are also banned. This is because if these items are littered, they can harm wildlife the same way conventional plastic items do.
To learn more about the single use plastic ban visit: vic.gov.au/single-use-plastics
Below are a few things businesses can do to learn more and help prepare for the ban!
Sessions for businesses to learn more about the single use plastics ban
The State Government has engaged the National Retail Association (NRA) to help businesses understand and prepare for the state’s upcoming single use plastic ban.
The NRA are visiting 3,000 businesses across Victoria and hold weekly online information sessions until February 2023. They are also providing a toll-free hotline and mailbox for businesses until June 2023.
The free business information sessions are held every Friday at 11am for businesses of any size or type to pop in, ask questions, receive practical advice and see what other businesses are doing. Register for a session here.
Businesses can also call the hotline on 1800 844 946 or email sustainability@nra.net.au if they have any further questions about preparing for the ban.
Make use of our Plastic Free Mornington Peninsula program
Reducing single-use plastics not only benefits you, but also the Peninsula. By reducing packaging, businesses will save money and stand out to their customers as an environmentally friendly business committed to change.
Businesses on the Peninsula are taking up the challenge to ditch single-use plastic with the help of the Plastic Free Mornington Peninsula program.
The program makes it easier for local food retailers to transition away from providing plastic takeaway items such as cutlery, straws, takeaway containers and coffee cups.
Eliminating single-use plastics doesn’t have to be hard. Make a pledge to show that you are on the journey, start small and work your way through the list in our handy guide to help make plastic free choices, one type of plastic at a time.
To learn more visit wastewisepeninsula.org
Join the Green Caffeen program and set up your own reusables library
We’ve partnered with Green Caffeen to bring an eco-friendly coffee solution to the Mornington Peninsula.
Businesses, visitors and locals alike can get involved with the free swap and go reusable cup program to help reduce the community’s reliance on single-use coffee cups.
How does it work?
Coffee drinkers simply download the Green Caffeen app, purchase their drinks at participating cafes and return their empty cup to the same cafe or any other participating cafe. They then grab a fresh cup the next time they order.
As long as the cup is returned within 30 days, it’s completely free to use, just pay for the coffee. Download the Green Caffeen app today from the App Store or Google Plus!
I’m a local café, how can I join the program?
Free for businesses to join, simply register your interest online. Questions? Email cafe@greencaffeen.com.au. Find out more at greencaffeen.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Steve Holland:
“Over the past year, we have been supporting businesses to get ready for the ban with our Plastic Free Mornington Peninsula Program – which is still available to businesses.
“We also have a resource kit to help you learn more and cut the habit. We encourage every Mornington Peninsula resident and business to join us in working towards a single-use plastic free Peninsula by 2023.”