In the wake of South Australia’s ban on single-use plastic, the Victorian government announced a similar plan to phase out certain plastic products – and prohibit them from February 1.

To limit the substantial amount of plastic waste going to landfill each year, the following "problematic" single-use items will be banned from sale and supply: plastic straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers, and plastic cotton bud sticks.

“Single-use plastic items – like straws and plastic cups – make up about one-third of Victoria’s litter,” Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said in a statement. “We need to change this, so we’re getting rid of them.”

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All cafes, restaurants and organisations in Victoria will be restricted from selling or supplying the products from February 1. But those who need single-use plastic drinking straws due to a disability or for a medical reason can still purchase and use these items.

vic.gov.au/single-use-plastics

This article was originally published on April 1, 2021. It has been updated to reflect a new ban date.