Radical plan would see the complete banning of ALL plastic bags as supermarkets prepare for more backlash
- All plastic bags could be banned from shopping centres as they end up in landfill
- The Queensland and Victorian governments opting to ban heavier plastic bags
- It comes after single-use plastic bags were banned nationwide in July last year
- Many people aren't impressed with the idea and think it 'punishes the consumer'
All plastic bags could be banned from shopping centres in a bid to crackdown on the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill, but people aren't happy about it.
Months after single-use plastic bags were banned at supermarkets nationwide, the Queensland government is looking to also ban heavier plastic bags.
The Victorian Government has also confirmed they would look into banning all plastic bags if the reusable bags keep ending up in landfill.
All plastic bags could be banned from shopping centres in a bid to crackdown on the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill, but people aren't happy about it
'As with any reform in any other state, we will monitor the reform closely, should it go ahead,' a State Government spokesman told the Courier Mail.
'As part of Queensland's broader waste strategy, a Plastic Pollution Reduction Plan is being developed to identify how government, business and the community can work together to reduce the impacts of plastic pollution.'
The thicker reusable bags need to be used at least four times in order to offset the increased amount of energy it takes to make them.
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The ban is also being extended into the retail sector, with the idea shoppers will also have to bring their own bags when buying clothes.
Policy manager of the National Retailers Association David Stout said it's still too soon after the initial ban to determine what the best course of action is.
'Definitely the next steps need to be carefully considered. The retailers really need clear, succinct direction. (It's) definitely a conversation worth having,' Mr Stout said.
Months after single-use plastic bags were banned at supermarkets nationwide, the Queensland government is looking to also ban heavier plastic bags
A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they've found most of their customers are forming new habits and bringing their own shopping bags into stores.
'This is reflected at the check out where we are seeing less and less transactions from customers having to buy new bags,' the spokesperson said.
'Together with customers we've taken more than 700 million single-use plastic bags out of circulation since June, which is great for our waterways and marine life.
'We're delighted more than 1,200 Australian schools have applied for our first round of Junior Landcare grants, which are funded by sales of our Bag for Good.
Many people aren't impressed with the idea and think it 'punishes the consumer', with many saying it should be up to the supermarkets to provide incentives and recycle the bags
'We know signage in our car parks and store entrances have been helpful for many customers as a final reminder.
'We're grateful for our customers' patience and support during this transition to a more sustainable way of shopping.'
Many people aren't impressed with the idea and think it 'punishes the consumer', with many saying it should be up to the supermarkets to provide incentives and recycle the bags.
'We replaced plastic bags with more plastic bags,' one user wrote on Facebook.
Others were quick to point out it doesn't stop the supermarkets from packaging fresh food in plastic: 'What about ALL PLASTIC PACKAGING!!!'
'I wonder if people realise it was just to monetize plastic bags?' another person said.
'Really? This is the first question of the year? Oi vay,' another wrote.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Coles for comment.
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