Andrews Government introduces legislation to ban single-use plastic bags from November

Supermarkets, servos, retail stores and fast food outlets in Victoria will be prevented from giving plastic bags to customers but the new ban won’t apply to all single use bags.

Single-use plastic bags will be banned in Victoria in just over four months as the Andrews Government introduces laws to lock in the promised crackdown.

From November 1, all lightweight single-use shopping bags will be banned, including those made from degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic.

Supermarkets, service stations, retail stores and fast food outlets will be prevented from giving the bags to customers, with Victorians currently using as many as one billion single-use bags every year.

Supermarkets have already got rid of single-use bags and introduced reusable options. Picture: Ben Rushton (AAP)

But shoppers will still be able to access small plastic bags when purchasing fruit and vegetables.

A public awareness campaign will be ramped up ahead of November to ensure the community is aware of the change.

SUPERMARKETS THE WINNERS OF PLASTIC BAG BAN

Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the government had received strong feedback from Victorians in favour of the ban.

“Plastic pollution is a significant environmental problem — the actions we take now will help ensure Victoria has a clean and bright future,” she said.

“Victorians want to do more to protect the environment from the damage litter causes and are overwhelmingly supportive of banning single-use plastic shopping bags.”

She said the government had been working with the National Retailers Association to ensure businesses were ready for the overhaul, with many stores including big supermarket chains already phasing out single-used bags.

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Ms D’Ambrosio also flagged that the government was continuing to look at other ways “we can reduce other types of plastic pollution across Victoria”.

A plastic pollution action plan is currently being developed with industry, retailers and environment groups.

Do you think the new ban goes far enough? Have your say in the comments.

@tminear