IN THE BAG

With the plastic bag ban in full swing The Chamber is keen to hear from members, both consumers and retailers, as to how they are adjusting to the change.  

From 1 July 2018, retailers were no longer able to supply single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags for free or at a charge.

However, some bags aren’t banned including barrier bags for fruit and veg, heavy department store plastic bags, as well as nappy and dog waste bags.

With one billion single use bags being used each year the ban was introduced by the government to combat plastic pollution, particularly as 16 million of these bags were ending up in the environment outside of landfill.

Retailers can choose to provide and charge for alternative bags, which can include reusable heavy-duty plastic bags, woven polypropylene 'green' bags, paper or other bags. 

However, BE WARNED, the ban does have some teeth and retailers found supplying banned bags after 1 July 2018 may be fined up to $6,300 per offence.

For further information about the ban visit www.qldbagban.com.au or call the National Retail Association’s Retail Hotline on 1800 RETAIL (738 245).