Are plastic bags legal in Australia?

In July 2018, the Western Australian Government introduced a ban on lightweight plastic bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less, including degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags. WA retailers had 6 months to phase out existing stock with fines applicable from 1 January 2019.

Did the government ban plastic bags?

The New South Wales Government has committed to ban single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, expanded polystyrene food service items, plastic cotton bud sticks, and microbeads in cosmetics, expected to commence in 2022 if laws pass this year.

Which Australian states have banned plastic bags?

Australian states and territories are quitting single-use plastic bags: Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory have already introduced bans on plastic bags. Western Australia, and Queensland have also committed to banning plastic bags by 2018.

Why did the government ban thin plastic bags?

We knew we wanted the countrywide ban because of the havoc the plastic bags were creating on our environment. The problems the plastic bags were causing were both environmental problems and lasting social economic implications to the development of our country.

Are plastics being banned?

United States – New York, California and Hawaii are among states to have banned single-use plastic bags, though there is no federal ban. The European Union – plans to ban single-use plastic items such as straws, forks, knives and cotton buds by 2021.

Why did Coles stop using plastic bags?

Coles banned single-use plastic bags on 1 July and told customers they would have to pay 15c for thicker, reusable bags. “It’s interesting because the ban on single-use bags came as a result of pressure from customers and people calling for companies to take responsibility and stop using plastic bags.

Will plastic ever be banned?

What can you do with old plastic bags?

You can recycle plastic bags by giving them to a local recycling center. You can use reuse them at home or make crafts with them so they do not end up in a landfill.

Is banning plastic bags a good idea?

Although bag bans won’t solve the plastic crisis on their own, they do help to change plastic consumption habits and cause consumers and retailers to be more open to alternatives. Banning single-use plastic bags is a small but critical first step towards tackling the plastic crisis.

Why we should stop using plastic bags?

It takes 1000 years for polyethylene bags to degrade/break down • Plastic bags don’t biodegrade, they photo-degrade, breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways. Plastic bags clog both our solid waste facilities and storm drains. • Plastic is the largest source of ocean litter.

What plastics will be banned?

Last fall the federal government announced a ban of six single-use plastic items that are set to be phased out across the country by 2022. The list includes plastic grocery bags, straws, stir sticks, plastic cutlery, six-pack rings and food containers made from hard-to-recycle plastics.

When did Coles stop using plastic bags?

In response to bans on single-use plastic bags in some states and territories, both major supermarkets opted to remove them from their entire store networks — Woolworths on June 22 and Coles on July 1.

Is there a ban on plastic shopping bags in Australia?

The NRA officially partnered with the Victorian Government to assist retailers throughout the transition. On 1 July 2018, the Queensland Government introduced a ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick, including degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags.

When did the Northern Territory ban plastic bags?

In 2011, the Northern Territory introduced a state-wide ban on lightweight plastic bags with a thickness less than 35 microns including degradable bags. The ban does not include biodegradable bags. NT retailers should review the legislation at the link below.

Are there any single use plastics in Australia?

It joins the South Australian, Western Australian and the Australian Capital Territory governments, who also propose to phase out certain single-use plastics. In general, these target single-use plastics are consistent with the first phase materials identified for regulation under the European Union’s Single-Use Plastic Directive.

Are there laws against single use plastic bags?

In respect of single-use plastics there is no current in-force national legislation, however all of the State and Territory Governments, with the exception of New South Wales, has implemented legislation banning the use of single-use lightweight plastic bags.