On this page

Comply with the single-use plastics ban

As of 1 February 2023, retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers are banned from the sale or supply of single-use plastics in Victoria.  

It is the responsibility of all Victorian businesses and organisations to comply with the Regulations and not sell or supply certain single-use plastic items, including to patrons or customers.

It’s also against the law for a retailer, wholesaler or manufacturer to give false or misleading information about banned single-use plastics.

The ban applies to all retailers, including: 

  • not-for-profit organisations
  • sports clubs 
  • schools 
  • other incorporated entities 
  • restaurants, cafés and food outlets 
  • convenience stores. 

The ban is a result of environment protection laws which protect Victoria’s environment and wildlife from plastic pollution. 

Types of single-use plastics that are banned 

The ban applies to the following single-use plastics: 

  • Drinking straws 
  • Cutlery 
  • Plates 
  • Drink-stirrers 
  • Expanded polystyrene food service and drink containers 
  • Cotton bud sticks.

For more information, visit banned items. 

Retailers’ single-use plastics obligations 

All retailers must comply with the ban. You are a retailer if you’re an individual or company involved in the sale or supply of goods to consumers. Wholesalers are generally involved in selling or supplying larger amounts of goods to retailers, rather than to consumers. 

You can’t sell or give banned single-use plastics to consumers from your retail premises. Market stallholders and community fêtes must not provide non-compliant items. 

The Victorian ban is slightly different to bans in other states. It’s your responsibility to understand and comply with Victorian law. 

If you conduct retail outside Victoria, check each state’s laws. 

Wholesalers’ and manufacturers’ single-use plastics ban obligations 

Suppliers (wholesalers and manufacturers) of single use plastics must not give information that you know, or should reasonably know, is wrong or misleading about: 

  • the composition of banned materials 
  • whether or not a plastic item is a banned single-use plastic 
  • whether or a single-use plastic item is an exempt single-use plastic (refer to exemptions).  

EPA’s role in the single-use plastics ban 

EPA is responsible for compliance and enforcement activities.  We will support businesses and organisations to understand their obligations and comply with the ban.  It is the responsibility of all businesses and organisations to understand and comply with the ban.  

EPA takes an escalating approach to non-compliance. Maximum penalties of up to $11,095.20 for persons or up to $55,476 for body corporates can be enforced for those who do not comply with the ban. In more serious circumstances, EPA may decide to prosecute.  

You can report pollution to us: 

More information

Reviewed 31 January 2023