Victoria’s plastic bag ban comes into force tomorrow, with thousands of retailers already having made the switch ahead of the deadline.
From 1 November, all plastic bans with a thickness of 35 microns or less at any part will be banned across the state.
The National Retail Association has partnered with the Victorian government to educate retailers about the ban, with NRA officers engaging with more than 13,000 businesses and shopping centres in 180 metro and regional locations across the state since March.
According to Dominique Lamb, this effort, coupled with the NRA’s Tollfree Bag Ban Hotline; its website www.vicbagban.com.au; and its digital media campaign, has paid off with both businesses and their customers.
“We know that consumers are supportive, and most businesses have already moved to implement more sustainable options well ahead of Friday’s deadline.
“We also know from our experience in other states that both consumers and business owners will continue to develop their understanding of the new rules in the weeks and months ahead, and we’re confident that officials will focus their efforts on educating, rather than punishing, businesses who are still coming to terms with the new rules,” she said.
Most national retailers such as Coles and Woolworths have already switched to reusable alternatives to lightweight plastic bags. NSW is currently the only state or territory in Australia without a ban either planned or implemented.
