From 1 February, single-use plastics, such as straws, cutlery, cups and take-away containers, will be banned from general sale in Victoria. Making up a third of our litter in our streets and waterways, these items seriously harm the environment and our wildlife.

Many of these items have been routinely used by people with disability and those who support them. They include single-use plastic:

• drinking straws
• drink stirrers
• cutlery
• plates
• cotton buds
• food containers and cups.

In May 2022, NDS consulted with members about the proposed ban and how it would affect them. We passed our findings to the Victorian Government, who have made an exemption for straws for people with disability or a medical condition.  

People with disability and those who support them (including support workers, service providers, family members or friends) can still buy straws from retailers, but only by special request.   

There is no requirement for anyone to prove a disability or medical need when requesting straws. 

The ban applies to all Victorian businesses and organisations, including non-profits, but does not apply to people using them privately or at home.

NDS encourages providers to be ready for the ban, informing families, workers and the people they support about how it will affect them. To help you, the government has produced a factsheet.

You can prepare by: 

• deciding if you still need single-use items and where they can be avoided or reduced 
• avoiding shortages of alternative items by ordering them ahead of the ban 
• finding a source of plastic straws if you choose to exercise an exemption.