Like all single-use plastic items, plastic straws are designed to be used once then discarded. Plastic does not break down for hundreds of years. Single-use plastic straws cannot be recycled, so they either end up in landfill or as litter where they harm wildlife and the environment. Over 90% of Canberrans surveyed in the 2019 consultation community survey (PDF) think taking action on single-use plastic straws is important.

1. Accessibility and safety

For some members of the community, a ban on single-use plastic straws may present a safety issue and may impact the ability to fully participate in public life. As a result, it is likely some exemptions would be made so that plastic straws are still available for people who need them.

The ACT Government will work with key stakeholders to explore how to make single-use plastic straws available for those who need them, while limiting overall consumption and waste. The alternatives to single-use plastic straws are listed below including an outline of the benefits and issues with each alternative.

2. Integrated packaging items (straws that come packaged as part of a product)

There is already an exemption in the Plastic Reduction Act 2021 for integrated packaging items that come with a straw (e.g. a straw attached to a juice box).

Option 1: Avoid the item altogether

Many beverages do not require a straw to drink so businesses may choose not to automatically include them with every drink order. Individuals may also choose to decline a straw.

Option 2: Reusable alternatives

There are a variety of readily available non-plastic alternatives. Recycled or sustainable sources options are preferable. However, some of these straws are not suitable for some people who rely on straws for safe eating, drinking and consuming medication.

Type of reusable straw	Benefits	Issues	Image
Stainless steel (metal)	Reusable Highly durable Dishwasher safe	Unsuitable for hot drinks Hard texture may be unsuitable for some people May be a safety risk for some members of the community Can have metal taste Requires thorough washing that can be difficult for some people
Glass	Reusable Dishwasher safe	Made from borosilicate glass (Pyrex) which can shatter Hard texture may be unsuitable for some people Requires thorough washing that can be difficult for some people May be a safety risk for some members of the community
Silicone	Reusable Highly durable Soft and flexible Dishwasher safe	Not as flexible as a plastic straw Requires thorough washing that can be difficult for some people
Bamboo	Made from natural products Biodegradable	Less durable than other reusable alternatives Can have woody taste Can be difficult to clean May be a safety risk for some members of the community
Silicone/metal	Reusable Highly durable Drinking part of straw is soft	Requires thorough washing that can be difficult for some people May be a safety risk for some members of the community

Option 3: Use alternative disposable items if necessary

If you must use a disposable option, there are a variety of readily available non-plastic alternatives. Look for recycled or sustainably sourced options.

Type of disposable straw	Benefits	Issues	Image
Paper	Biodegradable Readily available Can be sustainably sourced	Can become soggy and limp if left in contact with drink too long When soggy, can become a choking hazard for some members of the community Less flexible than plastic straws
Wheat/pasta/sugarcane	Biodegradable Made from natural resources Last longer in liquid than paper straws	Unsuitable for hot drinks When soggy, can become a choking hazard for some members of the community May pose allergy risk