Victoria set to ban plastic bags by next year
A ban on lightweight plastic bags across Victoria will be rolled out by the end of 2019, almost two years after the idea was first flagged by the Andrews government.
Plastic bags used by retail stores, takeaway shops and small supermarkets will be targeted by legislation to be introduced by the state government next year, following on from major supermarkets ditching the single-use plastic bags at check-outs this month.
A discussion paper, released on Wednesday, said that while the government would like to broaden the environmental scheme in the future, exemptions are needed for now.
The paper comes after the state government floated the bans in October last year and as major supermarkets introduce their own ban on single-use bags.
Smaller bags used for fruit, vegetables and meat will be exempt, along with larger garbage bags, heavier plastic bags and animal waste bags, the paper said.
“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 said.
“We do not yet have clear alternatives that will prevent food contamination or properly contain hazardous medical waste.”
Only three per cent of 8000 responses during public consultation were opposed to the scheme, the paper said.
Late last year, Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said the ban would come into place after a three-month public consultation process with consumers and industry, the findings of which are included in the discussion paper.
On Wednesday, it was revealed the ban will come into effect from late next year and will include all plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns in thickness – like those commonly used at supermarket checkouts.
“Banning single-use plastic bags will slash waste, reduce litter and help protect marine life in Victoria’s pristine waters," Ms D'Ambrosio said.
The feedback from the discussion paper will also be used to develop a plastic pollution plan to reduce other types of plastic contaminants in the environment.
-With AAP