Businesses in QLD, VIC, WA are prepping for the statewide plastic bag ban that will come into effect from July 1st, 2018.
SA, ACT, NT and TAS have already banned plastic bags.
Despite NSW not implementing a state-wide ban, many retailers have decided to ban single-use plastic bags in their stores.
Woolworths announced mid-way through 2017 that it would implement a ban on single-use plastic bags from June 20th, 2018.
Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said: “As a group we are committed to listening to our customers and also doing the right thing for the environment, and we feel this is an issue we need to take a stand on.”
“We currently give out more than 3.2 billion lightweight plastic bags a year and hence can play a significant role in reducing overall plastic bag usage. Today’s commitment shows we are committed to taking our environmental and community responsibilities seriously,” he said.
The Queensland Government has set up a website to support its state-wide plastic bag ban that will be put into place from the 1st of July 2018.
The website was set up to assist retailers with the transition, providing “everything your business needs to manage the QLD plastic bag ban”.
The site qldbagban.com.au lists five key steps for retailers to manage the ban.
- Understand the ban and what it means for retailers.
- Consider other options available and make decisions.
- Prepare the rest of the retail team.
- Inform customers of the legislation and impending ban.
- Manage the plastic bag ban.
To view the QLD Bag Ban website, click here.