Retailers warned over plastic bags

Plastic bag suppliers and manufacturers who provide misleading information when selling bags to retailers can also face fines and prosecution.

The National Retail Association is the point of contact for the public and and will help educate retailers about their obligations.

Complaints can be lodged with the National Retail Association at http://bagbanwa.com.au.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will then take follow-up actions.

The state-wide plastic bag ban applies to all retailers, not just supermarkets.

It includes lightweight plastic bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less, including bags that are biodegradable, degradable or compostable.

Acting Environment Minister Simone McGurk thanked the community for getting on board and supporting the state’s ban on lightweight plastic bags.

“From today, it will be illegal for a retailer to offer you a lightweight plastic bag,” she said.

“You can help by remembering to take your own reusable bags when you go shopping.

“So be prepared - always have your reusable bags on hand and remember to take them everywhere you go - whether you’re picking up milk from the deli, bread from the bakery or takeaway food from your favourite restaurant.”

Minister McGurk said the government’s ban on lightweight plastic bags was making a significant improvement to the environment.

“Since July 1, 2018, we have stopped around 225 million lightweight plastic bags ending up in landfill, or worse still, in our oceans,” she said.