Did you know Victoria will have a single-use plastics ban enforced by the State Government from 1 February 2023?

Single-use plastics make up a third of the waste we see on our streets and in our waterways – they are difficult and costly to clean up.

We're encouraging participation in the Plastic Free July challenge to support our residents in preparing for the ban.

“Waste is a global issue, but the solution is in many ways local. We can all participate in the movement to minimise waste. Plastic Free July is a great opportunity to take on a challenge or just start by making one change”, said Mayor Cr Michelle Kleinert.

Did you know that single-use plastics:

• are often used for only a few minutes but remain in the environment for a long time.
• pollute the environment, harming wildlife and contaminating our food and water
• include drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink-stirrers, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers, and cotton bud sticks.

Plastic Free July is a global movement that’s helping people worldwide to be part of the solution to plastic pollution.

During July, we're hosting five pop-up events at our local activity centres to engage our residents in conversations around reducing waste.

Can’t make it to any of these events?

You can still take on the challenge and consider the changes you can make now to reduce your plastic waste! You don’t have to make many changes all at once; however, these are some great ideas to help you reduce your waste:

• Choose to refuse plastic bags and instead use reusable grocery and produce bags.
• Choose to refuse single-use coffee cups. These can’t be recycled and end up in landfills!
• Try to avoid buying bottled water and instead use a reusable bottle.
• Start composting at home to reduce your food waste.
• Place a ‘no junk mail’ sticker on your letter box.

The pop-up events will be held at:

• Templestowe Village, at Kelly’s Corner
  Saturday 23 July 9:00 am to 11:00 am
• Macedon Square, under the shade sails
  Saturday 23 July
  2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Goldfields Plaza Warrandyte, outside the IGA
  Sunday 24 July
  11:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Tunstall Square, at the plaza near Beverly Street
  Saturday 30 July
  9:00 am to 11:00 am
• Jackson Court, outside Jackson Court Pharmacy
  Saturday 30 July
  2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

For more information on how you can reduce your plastics, go to Plastic Free July or contact our Waste team on 9840 9333 or at waste@manningham.vic.gov.au.