Victorian plastic bag ban to extend to small stores, takeaways and milk bars

ALL lightweight plastic bags, including those used by milk bars, takeaway shops and small supermarkets and retail stores, will be banned in Victoria by the end of next year.

ALL lightweight plastic bags, including those used by milk bars, takeaway shops and small supermarkets and retail stores, will be banned in Victoria by the end of next year.

The Herald Sun can reveal that Labor plans to legislate the ban next year, following on from major supermarkets ditching the polluting packaging at check-outs this month.

Smaller bags used for fruit, vegetable and meat will be ­exempt, along with larger garbage bags, heavier plastic bags, and animal waste bags.

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A discussion paper to be ­released by the government today says while it would like to broaden the environmental scheme in future, exemptions are needed for now.

“While we would like to eventually eliminate use of all plastic bags in Victoria, we want to be sure we have appropriate alternatives in place first,” the discussion paper says. “We do not yet have clear alternatives that will prevent food contamination or properly contain hazardous medical waste.”

The paper says that only 3 per cent of 8000 responses during public consultation were opposed to the scheme.

Labor plans to ban all lightweight plastic bags, including those used by milk bars, takeaway shops and small supermarkets and retail stores, by the end of next year.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said: “Banning single-use plastic bags will slash waste, ­reduce litter and help protect marine life in Victoria’s pristine waters”.

“We know Victorians want to do more to reduce pollution in our environment — we’ve received an enormous amount of feedback and they’ve told us loud and clear they want us to deliver this ban,” she said.

“The government will continue to work closely with Victorian communities and businesses to design the ban.’’

Ms D’Ambrosio said the ban would include all plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns in thickness — such as those commonly used at supermarket check-outs.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the ban would include all plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns in thickness. Picture: Getty Images

Other outlets likely to be ­affected include takeaway food outlets, convenience stores, independent retailers and small supermarkets that haven’t banned bags themselves.

Feedback about the scheme would be used to develop a wider “plastic pollution plan” that the government said would reduce other plastic contaminants. An education campaign will also be rolled out for retailers and the public.

The supermarket bag ban has met a mixed response, with shoppers having to pay 15c for heavier “reusable” bags at Woolworths if they forget to bring their own.

Coles will shelve its free lightweight checkout bags next week. It too is selling heavy-duty replacements.

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