Plastic-free Darebin
We have resolved to eliminate single-use plastics, and we support local business to do the same.
We say no to single-use plastic! We’re taking action to reduce the harm, waste and pollution caused by single-use plastic items.
Every piece of plastic that has ever been made still exists somewhere in the world. Plastic is designed to last forever, yet every day we use many plastic products that are thrown away after only a few minutes. Much of this plastic ends up in landfill or as litter in our environment. It is estimated that 145,000 tonnes of plastic waste leak into Australia’s environments each year; polluting water and harming wildlife.
Statewide single-use plastics ban
Victoria has banned the sale and supply of the following single-use plastic items:
- drinking straws
- cutlery
- plates
- drink-stirrers
- cotton bud sticks
- expanded polystyrene food and drink containers
- any single-use plastic item integrated into food or drink packaging by a machine-automated process
The ban applies not only to businesses but also to sports clubs, schools, community fetes, and all other shops, retailers, and distributors.
For more information about the ban, visit the EPA website.
Businesses can also access the Plastic Free Darebin Business Guide(PDF, 2MB) for more tips and alternatives to single-use plastics.
Our community can help support businesses by bringing your own reusable containers when ordering food. Keep some reusable cutlery in your bag so that when you do order a takeaway lunch you can say no to single use cutlery or dine in and enjoy your coffee and meal sitting down in a café.
Darebin's single-use plastic free events policy
On 5 June 2017, Council resolved to eliminate single-use plastic items(DOC, 24KB) in an eight-part resolution.
As part of this resolution, on 26 February 2018 Council endorsed a new Single-use Plastic Free Events Policy to eliminate single-use plastic products at events run by Council and events held on Council land. The policy extends to all council owned buildings, venues and roads and aims to reduce the harm caused by single-use plastic products.
The policy outlines our commitment to:
- eliminate single-use plastic bags
- eliminate single-use plastic plates, bowls, cups, straws, cutlery and take away food containers
- eliminate bottled water, and provide alternative, free access to water
- avoid plastic packaging
- eliminate balloons at events
- reuse event materials where possible
- educate and guide event staff and audience on single-use plastic free practices
Read the Single-Use Plastic Free Events Policy(PDF, 562KB).
Support for local businesses
The Plastic Free Darebin Business Guide(PDF, 2MB) is a practical guide developed in consultation with our local businesses and will help them eliminate single-use plastics in their operations. It includes information about alternative products to single-use plastics, steps to go single-use plastic free, a waste audit template, and more.
For more information about reducing waste and being a part of the circular economy, visit Reducing waste and circular economy page. Darebin businesses can also access a free comprehensive business sustainability assessment tool and get a customised action plan through the new Greening our Business tool.
Plastic-free July
Plastic-free July aims to raise awareness of the amount of single-use disposable plastic items we use, and challenges us to do something about it. You can help reduce plastic consumption by taking one simple action a week, or say no to all single-use plastics for a day, a week or the whole month.
Here are some ideas for everyday actions to reduce single-use plastic waste:
To sign up for the Plastic Free July challenge and for more info, tips and hints, visit the Plastic Free July website.