LIGHTWEIGHT plastic bags are now banned on both sides of the Murray river, as the first stage of the New South Wales plastic ban begins.
Single use plastic bags, less than or equal to 35 microns in thickness, were on Wednesday officially banned as a part of the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act that was passed late last year.
NSW were the last Australian jurisdiction to implement a single-use plastic bag ban.
The government said the ban does not apply to thicker reusable plastic bags, produce bags, waste bags or essential product packaging, as many of the items are reusable, recyclable or require more research and development to ensure alternatives are safe and sustainable. However, it does include biodegrable, compostable and degradable bags.
While single use plastic bags have been banned for retailers on the Victorian side of the border since 2019, retailers on the NSW side have had freedom to offer customers lightweight plastic bags.
Businesses and distributors must now make the change or face fines.
The National Retail Association said it had been working closely with the NSW government over the past few months to provide advice and resources to thousands of NSW retailers, suppliers, community groups and charities to adjust to the new changes.
“Retailers and their suppliers are highly supportive of environmental initiatives, with many already phasing out single-use plastics, measuring their carbon footprint and committing to stronger packaging and food waste targets,” NRA chief executive Dominique Lamb said.
She said it was important that those shopping in NSW were prepared for the change.
“Shoppers need to be aware that when grabbing groceries or a takeaway meal, lightweight plastic carry bags will no longer be available,” she said.
“It’s important for shoppers to understand that more sustainable alternatives, like fabric, recycled paper and heavyweight recycled plastic, are more expensive and retailers may need to pass on these costs.”
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the plastic bag ban was the first of many plastic items being banned in NSW this year.
“I think all of us can see the impact plastic pollution is having on our environment, which is why we’re making major changes in NSW this year,” he said.
“The ban on lightweight single-use bags comes into place from June 1, and then from November, we’re banning more problematic plastics, such as cutlery and plates.
“Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.”
