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Single Use Plastics Ban

Victoria-wide single-use plastics ban – from 1 February 2023

Single-use plastics make up a third of the litter in our environment and are difficult and costly to clean up. They pollute the environment, harming wildlife and contaminating our food and water. They are also a poor use of resources – they are often used for only a few minutes and generate significant waste that is not recyclable. They can often easily be replaced with reusable products. 

Under new regulations, from 1 February 2023, Victorian businesses and organisations (including schools) will not be able to sell, supply or provide a number of single-use plastic items. The ban applies to the following single-use plastic items made from conventional, degradable or compostable plastics:

  • Drinking straws
  • Cutlery including knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks, sporks, splades, food picks and sporks
  • Plates
  • Drink stirrers and sticks
  • Cotton bud sticks

The ban also applies to:

  • Food service items and drink containers made from expanded polystyrene. This includes expanded polystyrene plates, cups, bowls, clam shells and any cover or lid that is also made from expanded polystyrene.

EHPS will be implementing the Victorian government’s single-use plastics ban in the items we use as a school community including canteen, OSHC, and school events. We will not be using any banned single-use plastic items from 1 February 2023. 

 

Exceptions to the ban

People who need single-use plastic drinking straws due to a disability or for a medical need will still be able to purchase and use these items. If your child needs to continue using single-use plastic drinking straws because of a disability or medical need, please inform your classroom teacher and we will ensure that there is a supply available for your child’s use at future school activities.   

The Victorian government has produced a useful Fact Sheet explaining which items are banned and which are not, including information about exemptions. 

 

Student lunches and snacks from home

Offences relating to the ban do not apply to private or domestic activities at home, e.g. individual families’ decisions about lunch packaging. The intention of the government’s new regulations is to remove these items from the supply chain prior to reaching the customer. 

 

If you have any questions please contact Mr Perini.