Water Restriction Level 2
Central government has introduced bans on a list of single-use plastics, including plastic straws, plastic produce bags, and plastic cutlery. You can find out all the details here:
Since July 2023, the sale of single-use plastic drinking straws is available only to disabled people and those with health conditions.
Description of restricted product
A single-use drinking straw that contains any type of plastic (including compostable or biodegradable plastic).
What’s not included
- Reusable plastic straws such as silicone straws
- Until 1 January 2026, single-use plastic drinking straws that are attached to a beverage box by a machine (eg, juice or milk boxes) or are otherwise an integral part of the packaging are exempt from the regulations.
Single-use plastic drinking straws will still be available for some people
Disabled people and those with health conditions (or someone acting on their behalf) will still be able to access and use single-use plastic drinking straws if they need them.
Plastic straws may be needed for a nutrition reason, independence and/or social inclusion. Alternatives aren’t always suitable or safe and can be more expensive and difficult to clean.
Entities and businesses permitted to sell or provide single-use plastic drinking straws
Under the regulations, some entities and businesses are permitted to sell or provide single-use plastic drinking straws to people who need them, including:
- supermarkets
- pharmacies
- hospitality businesses
- education entities
- charitable entities
- health and disability support services.
A manufacturer or wholesale supplier may sell single-use plastic drinking straws to any of the above entities.
Disabled people and those with a health condition will also still be able to buy single-use plastic drinking straws from retailers online.
For help with talking to your team or customers about the changes, see Talking to others about the 1 July bans.
Information for businesses and entities permitted to sell or provide single-use plastic drinking straws
Single-use plastic drinking straws can be provided on request. A person (or someone acting on their behalf) is not required to explain their disability or health condition or provide evidence of their need to access plastic straws. Plastic straws must not be on display.
Find the full list of bans and exceptions at https://environment.govt.nz/publications/plastic-products-banned-from-july-2023/#single-use-plastic-drinking-straws. If you wish to discuss further with a member of the team at Hutt City Council, please email business@huttcity.govt.nz