THE WA BAG BAN
The Western Australian Government introduced a ban on lightweight shopping bags from 1 July 2018.
From 1 January 2019 it will be illegal for any retailer in Western Australia to provide lightweight plastic shopping bags.
The ban applies to all lightweight plastic shopping bags which have a thickness of 35 microns or less, including degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags. The new laws will affect all retailers – including grocery stores, takeaway food, pharmacies, and even markets.
The National Retail Association has partnered with the Western Australian government to help retailers navigate the new compliance issues, find alternative bag solutions, and to help retailers manage consumer sentiment to minimise negative impacts on their businesses.
Deadline to cease supplying lightweight plastic bags
ABOUT THE BAN
The WA bag ban legislation bans retailers from supplying lightweight plastic shopping bags, 35 microns or less thick, including degradable, biodegradable or compostable bags...
RESOURCES
The NRA has created a large range of resources such as fact-sheets, staff training kits and official signage to assist retailers transitioning away from lightweight plastic bags...
CASE STUDIES
Sometimes the best way to decide what you should do is to see what other retailers from similar categories or regions are doing to prepare for the bag ban...
KEY DATES FOR RETAILERS
Fines apply for anyone who provides false or misleading information about a banned bag.
Retailers must phase out existing stocks of banned bags by
31 December 2018.
Substantial fines apply for retailers that provide banned bags to customers.
See what other retailers are doing
Retailers all over Australia are making the move away from lightweight plastic shopping bags...
LATEST NEWS
NRA joins Lindsay Miles for plastic free workshop
