Countdown begins to QLD and WA bag ban

Retailers across Queensland and Western Australia will be forced to permanently bin the plastic bag when the statewide bans kick into effect on July 1. The ban includes all single-use, lightweight shopping bags with handles and a thickness under 35 microns.

New South Wales is the only state in Australia yet to adopt the ban, which is already implemented in South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

NRA Manager of Industry Policy David Stout, speaking of the Queensland ban, said that it is vital that businesses and consumers alike are well-prepared for when the ban comes into effect.

“[When the ban comes into effect] retailers will no longer be able to provide light-weight plastic shopping bags to customers,” David said.

“The new laws will apply to all Queensland retail outlets regardless of size or type and shoppers will have to either purchase an alternative bag or bring their own from home.

“Whether it’s grabbing groceries at the supermarket or picking up dinner from the local takeaway, conventional plastic bags will no longer be available to shoppers.”

David said that from May 1 retailers may provide shoppers with alternative bag options that comply with the new laws should they request one.

“Queensland countdown retailers have known for some time that this ban is coming, and we have begun to see some outlets already implement alternative bag options that are not captured by the impending ban.

“After May 1 if a customer requests an alternative bag that is not banned under the new laws, the retailer may provide them with one and can charge a fee for the alternative bag.

“Retailers who do not comply with the news laws from July 1 face hefty fines of over $6,000 not to mention disruptions to their business and upsetting customers.”