Our war on plastic waste
According to the UN, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced globally every year, half of which is designed to be used only once.
It makes up a third of the litter we see in our environment, posing a serious threat to our wildlife and our own health.
What we’re doing in Victoria
On behalf of the Victorian Government, Sustainability Victoria is funding projects that use recycled plastic in everyday objects like beds, train sleepers and noise barriers to encourage industry to think differently about waste.
We’ve invested more than $18.6 million to upgrade 12 facilities and build 3 new facilities that will be able to process and recycle more than 130,000 tonnes of mixed problem plastics.
This includes projects like:
- APR Plastics’ advanced chemical recycling facility, which will recycle soft plastics into oil to be used in the production of new plastics
- Martogg’s new plastic recycling plant which is transforming waste from our recycling bins into clean, food-grade plastic that can be reused.
We’re also supporting the Victorian Government ban on problematic single-use plastic items like drinking straws, cutlery and plates which was introduced on 1 February 2023.
In the lead up to the ban, Sustainability Victoria focused on promoting reusable options that businesses can consider to operate more sustainably.
The Victorian Government is committed to diverting 80% of material from landfill by 2030.
To achieve this, we’ve introduced the new standardised four-stream household waste and recycling system for more and better recycling, and the container deposit scheme which starts 1 November and will see Victorians rewarded with a 10-cent refund for every eligible drink can, carton or bottle they return for recycling.
It’s all part of the Victorian Government’s transformative plan to cut waste, maximise use and reuse of our precious resources, and build a sustainable and thriving circular economy.
What you can do
Soft plastics
- Choose to refuse soft plastics with reusable alternatives like mesh bags for your fruit and veggies.
- Consider doing your grocery shopping where you can bring your own containers for items that would usually come in soft plastic packaging. Farmers markets and bulk buying stores are a great place to start.
- Residents of Bayside, Boroondara, City of Yarra, Darebin, Glen Eira, Melbourne, Merri-bek, Port Phillip or Stonnington can book a Recyclesmart pick up.
- Other councils like Monash and Kingston have established soft plastics drop-off points for residents.
Disposable food containers
- Check BYO Containers to find businesses that accept reuse, refill and BYO containers near you. Some even offer a discount. This service isn't just for takeaway food and groceries. Other businesses like beauty stores, breweries and pet care suppliers also accept BYO containers.
- Learn more about accepting reusable containers at your business.
Disposable coffee cups
- Get a reusable cup and check Responsible Cafes to find stores that offer discounts near you.
- If you find yourself with an unavoidable single-use coffee cup in hand, you can take it to a recycling collection station set up by Simply Cups including participating 7-Eleven stores.
- Choose to stay and enjoy by simply sitting down to drink your coffee at the café rather than taking away.
Blister packs
- Find a Pharmacycle drop-off point near you (or mail for free).
Reusable bags
- Store your reusable shopping bags near the front door, in your boot or next to where you keep your keys.
- Learn more handy hints for reusable bags.
Reusable water bottles
- Consider investing in 2 reusable drink bottles so you have one at home and one at work.
- Learn more tips and tricks for reusable water bottles.