Victoria is set to ban single use plastics completely in the next two years, in order to reduce the fuck-tonne of plastic waste that goes into land fill each year.
Victoria is now the third state to ban single-use plastics, following South Australia and Queensland.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Victorian Environment Minister Lily Ambrosio, who said the ban would would include single-use plastic items like straws, plastic cups/plates, cutlery, drink stirrers, polystyrene food and drink containers and cotton.
However, the ban will not affect medical or scientific equipment, according to a statement. Businesses and retail stores will also still be able to provide plastic bowls and takeaway food containers.
“Single-use plastic items – like straws and plastic cups – make up about one-third of Victoria’s litter,” D’Ambroisio said.
“We need to change this, so we’re getting rid of them.”
According to the Victorian government, on average each Victoria sends around 68 kilograms of plastic waste to landfill every year.
The ban is part of the Labor government’s 10-year plan to transform Victoria’s waste and recycling system. The Vic gov also said the ban is a crucial step in protecting our rivers, waterways and oceans from plastic that is killing our marine life.
In July last year, the Palaszcuk government introduced legislation to ban the use of single use plastics across Queensland, including things like coffee stirrers and cutlery by July 2021.
South Australia pushed similar legislation in July 2019. SA also lists some items under consideration for the ban including coffee cups and lids, plastic bowls, plates, food containers, balloon sticks, balloon ties, bags and cotton buds.
