ACT Govt starts plastic bag ban media campaign

The Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, today announced the start of television and radio advertisements for the Plastic Bag Ban.

"Reducing the use of plastic bags is an important part of becoming a more sustainable city. The Plastic Bag Ban transition began on 1 July with the full ban coming into effect on 1 November," Mr Corbell said.

"By banning lightweight plastic shopping bags, we can reduce unnecessary consumption, reduce waste sent to landfill, and reduce litter and other environmental impacts of plastic bags."

The ACT Plastic Bag Ban applies to single use plastic shopping bags of 35 microns or less, which are generally the type distributed through supermarkets, grocery stores and takeaway food outlets.

The ban will not apply to a range of other bags including barrier bags, which are dispensed from a roll to hold items such as fruit, heavier retail bags especially those used in department stores, reusable ‘green' bags, purchased bin liners, compostable bags that meet the Australian Standard, and paper bags.

"Canberrans have already told us that they are supportive of this initiative. The results of the community consultation showed that many Canberrans have already implemented their own measures to reduce plastic bag use," Mr Corbell said.

Mr Corbell said that during the transition period, the Government would continue to work closely with retailers to raise awareness of the ban and help retailers and consumers adjust.