Single-use bags get the flick

Roma retailers are ready to say goodbye to not-so-fantastic plastic.

plastic shopping bags. Picture: natalie_board

THE time has finally come - all one-use plastic bags are to disappear from Queensland retailers in the next fortnight.

Accounts manager at Bakearoma Barbara Slater said the bakery would be making the change in line with the government's requirements.

"We do have a bag people can buy for 10 cents and it is a good step in the right direction to helping the environment,” Ms Slater said.

"(But) we would be more than happy if customers brought their own bags because we are unable to provide single-use plastics bags as of July 1.”

South Side 7 Day Store Roma owner Pamela Grieve said she was disappointed the shop had to charge customers to use the new bags.

"Once it is introduced we don't have an option and have to go ahead with the government's regulations.

"I feel sad we have to do this, but due to this being a law and the cost, we have no option,” she said.

The plastic shopping bag ban applies to retailers across the state, officially coming into effect on Sunday, July 1.

Under the ban, retailers are no longer allowed to supply shoppers with single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags of less than 35 microns, for free or at a charge.

This includes compostable, degradable and biodegradable plastic shopping bags.

A retailer who is found to be supplying the banned bags after July 1 may be fined up to $6300 per offence.

The same penalty will apply to a supplier if caught with the lightweight plastic bags.