Victoria has drawn a clear line under a handful of everyday plastics. Single-use plastic drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, cotton bud sticks and expanded polystyrene food and drink containers are now banned from sale or supply in the state, and the Victorian Government's ban covers conventional, degradable and compostable plastics alike.
The state's environment regulator explains why. EPA Victoria says single-use plastics make up a third of the litter we see in our environment and are difficult and costly to clean up. Your period is another place where single-use products pile up, so this guide covers plastic-free periods first and everyday swaps second.
Quick answer: A plastic-free period mostly means choosing products you wash and reuse instead of ones you bin. Jean Hailes describes menstrual cups as reusable and more environmentally friendly than other products, and also lists reusable pads and period underwear. Around the house, start with the single-use items Victoria has already banned.
What are the plastic-free period options in Australia?
The reusable trio is a period cup, washable pads and period underwear, and you can mix them across your cycle. The Jean Hailes guide to period products explains each one:
| Product | What it is | Care |
|---|---|---|
| Menstrual cup | A cup made from rubber or silicone that collects your flow | Wash in soapy water every 8 to 12 hours depending on the brand, or when full |
| Reusable pads | Washable fabric used instead of disposable pads | Wash by hand or in a washing machine |
| Period underwear | Layers of fabric that absorb your period | Wash and reuse |
Jean Hailes also notes that disposable pads are sometimes made from a mix of synthetic and natural materials, so reading the label tells you more than the word "pad" does.
How do I switch to a period cup without stress?
Treat the first few cycles as practice rather than a test. Lunette recommends allowing at least 2 to 3 menstrual cycles to get comfortable with insertion, removal and everyday use, and it offers two sizes: Size 1 for a light to medium flow or a low cervix, and Size 2 for a heavier flow or a higher cervix.
On Lunette's Australian product page, the cup can be worn for up to 8 hours, then emptied, rinsed and reinserted. With proper care it lasts up to 10 years, and if it clearly doesn't suit you after a fair try, Lunette will refund it or send the other size.
Do compostable plastics count as plastic-free?
Not under Victoria's rules. The ban applies to degradable and compostable plastics as well as conventional ones, and EPA Victoria warns that these can pollute the environment the same way conventional plastic items do. A reusable fork, cup or straw is the swap that actually avoids the problem, rather than a different single-use version of the same thing.
Which everyday plastics are easiest to give up?
The banned list doubles as a ready-made checklist for home and work:
- Keep metal or bamboo cutlery in your bag for lunches and takeaway.
- Carry a reusable cup or bottle so drinks don't come with a lid and straw.
- Choose cotton buds with paper stems, or a reusable option, for the bathroom.
- Bring your own container when you pick up food.
- Keep a few shopping bags in the car boot or by the front door.
For the bigger picture on period waste, read our piece on how to reduce your period waste.
Frequently asked questions
Can I flush tampons or pads if there's no bin nearby?
No. Jean Hailes advises putting used tampons in a rubbish bin or sanitary bin and says not to flush them down the toilet. If you're out and about, wrap the product in toilet paper or its wrapper and carry it to the next bin. A reusable period cup means fewer used products to carry around.
How often should I empty a period cup?
Follow the instructions for your cup. Jean Hailes says cups should be washed every 8 to 12 hours depending on the brand, or when full. Lunette's Australian product page states the Lunette cup can be worn for up to 8 hours, so plan to empty, rinse and reinsert it at least that often.
Can people who need plastic straws still get them in Victoria?
Yes. The Victorian Government says people who need single-use plastic drinking straws because of disability or medical needs can still buy and use them. For everyone else, a reusable straw, or simply drinking from the cup, does the same job without adding to the litter EPA Victoria describes.
How long does a period cup last?
Lunette says its cup lasts up to 10 years with proper care. That means rinsing and washing it each time you empty it, drying it fully and storing it in its breathable linen pouch. Boil 5 minutes before first use and after each completed cycle.
Starting with your period? The Lunette period cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone and, cared for properly, lasts up to 10 years. Not sure about fit? The period cup size guide compares Size 1 and Size 2 side by side.
General information only, not medical advice. If you have questions about periods or which products suit you, see your GP or a women's health nurse.
