Dandenong, Preston, South Melbourne markets respond to state government plastic bag ban

Victorian retailers may have been forced to ditch single-use plastic bags or risk hefty fines. But not everyone is thrilled about the new rules, a Leader investigation has revealed. What do you think about the ban?

Debra Redpath came prepared fro Friday’s single-use plastic bag ban.

Victorian retailers have been forced to ditch single-use plastics bags or risk hefty fines as the State Government ban came into effect yesterday.

But a Leader investigation has revealed the response from markets across Melbourne to be a bit of a mixed bag.

At Dandenong Market most traders were complying and charging 10c for approved bags, but some were spotted handing out non-approved bags for free.

Fayez’s Fruit and Vegetable owner Moufid El Kerdi said the bag ban would be good for business.

Fayez’s Fruit and Vegetable owner Moufid El Kerdi said he supported customers paying for bags.

“We were spending at least $1000 on single-use plastic bags prior to this and now that we’ll be charging customers, so that will also be good for our business,” Mr El Kerdi said.

“I think it will also get people into the habit of bringing their own bags now.”

Shopper Debra Redpath was also on side.

“This a great thing for the environment and I think generally people are happy with the ban and they’re getting used to bringing their own bags.”

Zora Ilibasic doesn't support the plastic bag ban.

But not everyone was thrilled with the new rules.

Zora Ilibasic said she was “furious” about the ban.

“I can’t believe they asked me to pay money now for the bags. They shouldn’t charge people at all. This is all about making a profit – it’s a rort,” Ms Ilibasic said.

Dandenong Market general manager Jennifer Hibbs said the market was committed to implementing the ban and would continue to support traders to make the transition.

Meanwhile, fruit traders at Hampton Park and Lynbrook were also busted handing out banned plastic bags yesterday.

Tumau Pesaleli supports the bag ban, despite being given a single-use plastic bag at a grocer.

Tumau Pesaleli said she was given one from a grocer at the shopping centre.

“I didn’t bring my reusable bags today but I will in future,” Ms Pesaleli said.

And worker at a fruit grocer said he was still using the bags because his manager hadn’t told himnot to.

Preston Market centre manager Gary Zoubi and traders show off the centre’s eco bags. Pictur: Ellen Smith

But at Preston and South Melbourne markets plastic has not been fantastic for many months.

Preston Market introduced eco-bags two years ago.

Market manager Gary Zoabi said the market sold them for $2 and some of the money went to different charities.

Mr Zoabi said the ban had been received well among traders and customers.

“We got really good feedback and a lot of positive comments and it does make your proud,” he said.

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South Melbourne Market was at the forefront of the war on waste, banning the bag in April last year.

Max Dragwidge, 10, Trixie Sumpter, 13, Matina Dragwidge, 10, and Ruby Sumpter, 8, show off their reusable bags. Picture: Andrew Tabuer.

Plastic straws also got the chop at the market last December.

South Melbourne Market also has an onsite bottle crusher where glass is crushed for recycling, with 80 per cent turned into bottles and 20 per cent used in road base and as a paint additive.

A takeaway coffee cup recycling station was also installed at the market this year as part of the suite of sustainability measures.

For more information traders and customers can visit vicbagban.com.au