Frequently Asked Questions

Which bags are banned?

Plastic bags made of polyethylene polymer with a thickness of less than 35 microns will be banned. These thin plastic bags with handles are used to carry retail goods. They are most commonly supplied at supermarket check-outs and take-away food outlets.

Which bags are NOT banned?

Barrier bags – the type dispensed from a roll to hold items such as loose fruit and vegetables Heavier style retail bags (boutique bags) – the type usually used by clothing and department stores Bags designed for multiple use such as ‘green’ bags Biodegradable compostable bags that meet the Australian Standard Paper bags Bin liners for purchase

When does the ban start?

The ACT’s plastic bag ban is a 2-step process. The transition to the ban starts on 1 July 2011 and the ban comes into full effect on 1 November 2011.

During the four month transition period, any retailer who still provides single-use plastic bags must also provide alternatives for carrying goods so consumers have a choice. Retailers will be required to display signs informing customers of the changes.
Single-use, lightweight polyethylene bags (less than 35 microns) cannot be given away or sold by retailers for carrying goods from 1 November 2011. Retailers will be able to charge for alternative bags that they supply.

Why is there a transition period?

This transition period will allow retailers to gear up for the change, provide shoppers with alternatives to plastic bags and help consumers adjust.

What about degradable bags?

A range of bags claim to be degradable in different conditions. Some degradable bags are made partly or wholly of polyethylene. Only compostable biodegradable bags that meet Australian Standard AS 4736-2006 are excluded from the ban. These bags are usually made of some form of starch or other compostable material.

I’m a retailer, what does the ban mean for me?

From 1 July 2011 single-use plastic shopping bags can still be provided. However, retailers must provide alternatives so that shoppers have a choice. From 1 November 2011 you can no longer supply single-use polyethylene carry bags of less than 35 microns. Further information for retailers is available here.

Will the ban apply to all retailers?

Yes. Every retailer will need to comply and the transition and ban dates will be the same across the ACT. Large and small retailers, supermarket and non-supermarket retailers and take-away food shops, farmers markets and other markets will all be affected by the ban.

How will the legislation be enforced?

The ban will be enforced in the ACT by the Office of Regulatory Services (ORS).
The ORS aims to achieve compliance with laws rather than through prosecution. However, if retailers do not comply with the imposed ban, then the ORS will have the ability to issue an infringement notice or prosecute to stop the supply of the banned plastic bags in the Territory.

What about bin liners?

Bin liners will not be banned. However, using plastic bags to line bins has become an easy, but environmentally unfriendly, alternative to wrapping rubbish or washing bins. When the ban occurs, it is important that people consider the range of options available.

While there is no one simple replacement for bin liners, we can be most environmentally friendly by reducing waste, especially by putting food and organic waste in a compost bin. We can also reuse other types of plastic bags (such as bread bags) to wrap rubbish, and minimise wrapping of waste. If you use bin liners, we recommend that you choose biodegradable bags that will degrade fully in landfill, such as those made from cornstarch.

Alternatively, you could just put your rubbish straight into your bin and give it a quick rinse afterwards then reuse the water on your garden.

How do I pick up after my pet?
 
In some dog-friendly parks and reserves, plastic bags are available to scoop animal waste. These bags will not be affected by the ban. Otherwise, use newspaper or re-use a barrier bag or bread bag.

How do I dispose of things like nappies?

Nappy bags will not be banned, nor will barrier bags or ‘bags on a roll’ which keep meat, fish, fruit and vegetables separate from our other shopping. They can be used for nappy disposal as can other packaging such as bread bags.