The problem with plastic shopping bags :
- They pollute the natural environment and litter streets, parks
and waterways. - They endanger marine and other wildlife which can ingest,
and become entangled, in them. - Plastic bag litter is often mistaken for food by turtles and
other wildlife. - Millions of dollars are spent each year in litter clean-up costs.
What the Queensland Government is doing
The Queensland Government is introducing a ban on the supply of lightweight single-use supermarket-style plastic shopping bags. The public consultation on the ban received more than 26,000
submissions, with 96% of people supporting its implementation.
The government is also working with other states to develop complementary voluntary action to reduce the use of department store-style plastic bags.
What bags are included?
The ban will only apply to lightweight, single-use supermarketstyle plastic shopping bags. This includes biodegradable plastic bags which can take a long time to break down in the environment, causing the same harm to wildlife as conventional plastic bags.
The ban does not apply to heavier-weight reusable plastic shopping bags, fruit and vegetable barrier bags, or any other type of plastic bag.
When will the ban start?
1 July 2018.
What are the benefits?
- Reduced litter and plastic pollution.
- Reduced impact on wildlife.
What shoppers can do
- Take your reusable bags when shopping, instead of using singleuse plastic bags.
- Keep a reusable shopping bag in your car or bag, so you are always prepared.
What retailers can do
- Check out the National Retail Association workshops and website dedicated to helping retailers prepare for the ban at www.qldbagban.com.au.
- Begin to prepare for the ban by sourcing and transitioning to alternative shopping bags.
- Remember, the lightweight plastic shopping bag ban will apply to all retailers. Penalties apply to any retailer who does not comply with the legislation.
From 1 July 2018, lightweight plastic shopping bags will be banned in Queensland. Plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns in thickness (a lightweight plastic shopping bag) will no longer be able to be supplied to the customer—either sold or given away. Degradable and biodegradable lightweight plastic shopping bags are included in the ban as these can still harm wildlife if littered.
