Single-use plastics ban looming

BY ABBY WALTER

Asingle-use plastic ban will be implemented across Victoria on February 1.

Single-use plastic drinking straws and stirrers, cutlery, plates, cotton buds and food service items, along with drink containers made from expanded polystyrene, will be banned.

Horsham Sports and Community Club manager Glenn Carroll said the business had not used plastic straws for about five years.

“We also transitioned away from plastic cutlery and used bamboo cutlery for takeaway during COVID-19,” he said.

“We’ve tried to be ahead in terms of doing the right thing.

“The change came out of strategic planning to reduce our plastic. It’s the best thing to do for the planet.

“There’s too much plastic around. We are here to look after the community and that includes the environment. This is a way we can contribute.”

Horsham RSL manager Tim Nurse said it was good for the environment for the business to reduce plastic use.

“We haven’t ordered plastic straws in more than a year and use as many biodegradable products as we can,” he said.

“I think most businesses have been moving in this direction already.”

National Retail Association policy manager Ebony Johnson said Victorian businesses had responded positively during their engagement program, which included visiting more than 3000 stores across the state.

“We’ve engaged over 15,000 retailers, suppliers, peak bodies and other stakeholders in the past few months, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said.

For businesses still transitioning, Ms Johnson encouraged them to act now and access the free support services available.

“Firstly, I recommend businesses visit the Victorian government web-