THE WA BAG BAN
The Western Australian Government introduced a ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags from 1 July 2018.
From 1 January 2019 it is 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 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.
NRA campaign
Report a suspected banned bag
From 1 January 2019, you can report a bag you suspect to be a banned bag via the button below. The report takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Please check which bags are banned and which are allowed before making a report.
Provide your feedback
During implementation of the lightweight plastic bag ban the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) supported consumers and retailers with an education campaign and range of materials. With the ban now in place, the Department is evaluating the effectiveness of the campaign and materials. The evaluation will identify key learnings and will inform future initiatives.
Retailers in WA are invited to provide feedback via the survey link below. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes of your time.
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
Thousands of retailers in Western Australia have not only stopped supplying lightweight plastic bags, but many have moved to more sustainable options.
The National Retail Association team continues to visit retailers out on the streets in WA ...
@gethealthyperth Laura @gethealthyperth Go Vita in Victoria Park has the message clearly on the counter- Go Vita supports- Ban the Bag. Thank you for your support by using paper bags. #reuseablebags #plasticbagban #perth #vicpark #national_retail_association #retail
Aug 8
@thesourcevicpark Wendy @thesourcevicpark has it sorted - its all about no plastic bags, but all about paper bags, hessian bags & glass jars - even BYO containers. Great Work Wendy! #reuseablebags #bagbanwa #retail #plasticbagban #national_retail_association
Aug 8
@fishboss.com.au Jamie @fishboss.com.au is literally the Boss when it comes to being plastic free and paper friendly. Well Done! #bagbanwa #foodshop #retail #national_retail_association
Aug 8
@thingzgifts Hazel @thingzgifts in Mandurah has a great selection of reusable bags of various sizes and even one that the boys can handle - they arent all covered in flowers! #reuseablebags #bagbanwa #retailshopping #national_retail_association
Aug 8
@typoshop Isabella @typoshop Mandurah Forum is showing us the way by offering paper bags & creative totes. #reuseablebags #shopping #bagbanwa #national_retail_association
Aug 8
@asterandruby Melissa @asterandruby Mandurah Forum is owning her cute paper bag which they have had always. #reuseablebags #retailshopping #bagbanwa #national_retail_association
Aug 8
@madmexau Adam @madmexau in Mandurah is promoting his fresh food for life, as well as being plastic free for life at work. #foodforum #bagbanwa #national_retail_association
Aug 8
Eric @happytel in Mandurah Forum is happy to support WA's bag ban by having paper bags for his customers. #bagbanwa #retailshopping #mandurah #national_retail_association #reuseablebag
Aug 8
@shingleinn Kate @shingleinn in Mandurah us keeping the message simple. #mandurahforum #bagbanwa #national_retail_association #plasticbagban
Aug 8
@psychomug Sean @pyschomug is all keen to support no plastic only paper in his cafe. Did you know that coffee granules are very good for your skin? #bagbanwa #rockebyroad #subicafe #national_retail_association #plasticbagban
Aug 8
@lotsixzerosubiaco Liam @lotsixzerosubiaco is so proud to support the ban as only paper us used here at this buzzing cafe. #subicafe #bagbanwa #national_retail_association
Aug 8
@urbansoulfoods Paper only for this guy Paolo @urbansoulfoods just as his food selection deserves! #subishop #bagbanwa #plasticbagban #national_retail_association
Aug 8
@duskaustralia Penny & Lian @duskaustralia Rockingham are using great paper strong bags with handles that are easy to reuse. #bagbanwa #reuserecycle #rockinghamretail #rockingham #national_retail_association
Aug 2
Lana is proud that @thejerkyco has always used paper bags. #bagbanwa #retailrockingham #rockingham #ownyourimpactwa #national_retail_association
Aug 2
Tara at @scents_perfume_specialists in Rockingham have the cutest recyclable paper bags. #bagbanwa #retailshops #national_retail_association #plasticbagban #rockingham
Aug 2
An awesome selection of reusable bags at Cape to Cairo - Rockingham. Their cooler bags are affordable and very popular. Charmaine you are doing a great job! #bagbanwa #rockinghamretail #rockingham #reusablebags #national_retail_association
Aug 2
Great new paper bags at @pricelinehaystreet in Perth. Love to see that they are 10c and 20c as bag fees also help reduce consumption 🌱 #bagbanwa #perth #retail #shopping #plasticbagban #recycle #ownyourimpactwa #national_retail_association
Aug 2
Paper all the way @three_stories - nearly a decade for these guys & a great tote bag too - Well Done! #bagbanwa #reuseablebags #freoshops #national_retail_association #fremantle
Aug 1
For the small price of 50c, a big impact will be made. Take home your food in these fabulous reusable bags. Thank you for supporting the Bag Ban in WA 😊👏
Jun 6
Centaurian Seafood gift these great cooler bags with your frozen seafood purchase. Thank you Alan for supporting the Bag Ban in WA 👏😊 #bagbanwa#bagban#banthebag#national_retail_association#plasticbagfree
Jun 6
Maddy at SuperChem displays their $1 reusable bags. Thank you for supporting the Bag Ban in WA 😊👏 #bagban#bagbanwa#banthebag#national_retail_association#plasticbagfree
May 30
Uncle Chops are supporting the Bag Ban in WA by being plastic bag free. These sustainable boxes are all you need for your takeaway. Thank you 😊👏 #bagbanwa#bagban#banthebag#plasticbagfree#national_retail_association#knowyourimpact
May 30
The Giving Art Gift Store is also giving back to the environment with these paper shopping bags. Thank you for supporting the Bag Ban in WA 😊👏 #bagban#bagbanwa#plasticbagfree#knowyourimpact#national_retail_association
May 30
Shoe Shu are doing something new. These spun cotton shopping bags are a cut above single use plastic bags. Thank you Annette and Mandy for supporting the Bag Ban in WA. 😊👏 #shoeshu#bagban#bagbanwa#knowyourimpact#banthebag#national_retail_association#sustainability#sustainablefashion
May 10
At Dong Khoa Fruit and Vegetables you can buy fresh produce but not a plastic shopping bag. Thank you Loi for supporting the Bag Ban in WA. 😊👏 #bagban#bagbanwa#knowyourimpact#national_retail_association
May 10
New owner, new look, new ways. Thank you Stuart for supporting the Bag Ban in WA. 😊👏 #freotshirts#bagbanwa#bagban#banthebag#plasticbagfree#knowyourimpact#national_retail_association
May 10
Great food, great philosophy. Ada from Parlapa is passionate about being plastic shopping bag free. Thank you for knowing your impact and supporting the Bag Ban in WA. 😊👏 #parlapa#plasticbagfree#bagban #bagbanwa#banthebag#national_retail_association#knowyourimpact
May 10
Nomad Gnome is known for alternative clothing. They also have a great alternative to plastic shopping bags with these organza beauty's. Thank you Jenny for supporting the Bag Ban in WA. #nomadgnome#plasticbagfree#bagban#bagbanwa#banthebag#national_retail_association#knowyourimpact
May 10
Bring your own bag to Habibs Kebabs as they are plastic shopping bag free. Thank you Mohibullah for supporting the Bag Ban in WA 😊👏 #plasticbagfree#bagban#bagbanwa#national_retail_association#knowyourimpact
May 10
There's nothing grumpy about the Grumpy Sailor. Van's hospitality is as good as DJ's coffee. There are also no plastic straws or bags to take your goods away in. Thank you for supporting the environment by being plastic bag and plastic straw free! 😊👏 #thegrumpysailorfremantle#plasticbagfree#plasticstrawfree#bagbanwa#banthebag#bagban#knowyourimpact
May 10
Fashion doesn't need to cost the environment. These paper bags are perfect for taking those new clothes home. Thank you Wear2! 👏😊 #bagbanwa#bagban#plasticbagfree#national_retail_association#knowyourimpact#wear2
May 10
Milk Belly care about sustainability by being plastic free. Jacob is showing us how Milk Belly prefers paper over plastic! 👏😊 #plasticbagfree#bagbanwa#banthebag#knowyourimpact#national_retail_association#milkbellycafe
May 10
Fill up on these sustainable ideas at #thankgodimfullcoffeeandeatery Not only are they plastic bag free, they are plastic cutlery plastic straw free too. Take it away in a paper bag, drink up with wheat straws, and tuck in with bamboo cutlery. Thank you Bikash for supporting the Bag Ban in WA. 😊👏 #bagbanwa#bagban#banthebag#national_retail_association#plasticbagfree#knowyourimpact
Apr 30
Need food? No worries. Load up one of these great boxes instead of filling up a plastic shopping bag. Thank you Freya and Chris for your hospitality today. We appreciate your support of the Bag Ban in WA 😊👏 #bagban#banthebag#bagbanwa#plasticbagfree#knowyourimpact#national_retail_association#europeanfoodswholesalers
Apr 30
Bangkok Brothers are doing their takeaway plastic bag free. Thank you for your support of the Bag Ban in WA 😊👏 #bangkokbrothersperth#banthebag#bagbanwa #plasticbagfree#national_retail_association#knowyourimpact
Apr 30
At Joynt Venture you will find lots of interesting things. What you won't find is a plastic shopping bag. Thank you Turtle for supporting the single use shopping bag ban. 😊👏 #bagbanwa#national_retail_association#knowyourimpact#plasticbagfree#joyntventureperth
Apr 30
Kakulas Bros are doing it different. These reusable produce bags are upcycled wedding dresses.😊👏 #plasticbagfree#knowyourimpact#national_retail_association#bagbanwa#reuserecyle#localssupportlocal#milknhoney
Apr 30
At the Lion Oriental Food Co, you will find sake, but no plastic bags. Sandra reuses boxes to be plastic bag free. #lionorientalfoods#plasticbagfre#national_retail_association#knowyourimpact#bagbanwa
Apr 30
Check out these sweet containers for your sweet treats.😊👏 #labellepatisserie#bagban#bagbanwa #knowyourimpact#plasticbagfree#national_retail_association
Apr 11
When you get your things at Thingz, you'll find a selection of reusable bags in the size you need. 😊👏 #bagbanwa#bagban#knowyourimpact#national_retail_association#plasticbagfree#thingzbelmont#thingz
Apr 11
Kitchenware don't supply plastic bags. Instead you'll find these generous shopping bags to hold your goods. 👏😊 #bagban#bagbanwa#knowyourimpact#national_retail_association#plasticbagfree
Apr 11
Pricesavers in Maddington stock these bright red reusable bags. They'll be easy to spot when you're looking for a reusable bag to do your shopping! 👏😊 #bagban#bagbanwa#knowyourimpact#national_retail_association#reusablebags#pricesaversmaddington
Apr 9
Bak Kwa Ling at Coventry Village have their bag plan. 👏 Reuse these cute bags for your takeaway over and over again. #bakkwaling#reuseablebags#takeawaybags#bagbanwa#bagban#whatsyourbagplan#knowyourimpact#national_retail_association
Apr 5
Miniprice Discount Variety Store at Midland Gate are plastic shopping bag free! 😊👏 #miniprice#minipricediscountvarietystores#bagban#bagbanwa#whatsyourbagplan#knowyourimpact#national_retail_association
Apr 5
Great initiative at #Westfield to recycle coffee cups. Many retailers now also welcome reusable cups and mugs. #ownyourownimpact #recycling #retail #sustainability #coffee☕ #national_retail_association
Feb 22
Great work @currambine_central - thanks for helping with the WA bag ban. #bagbanwa #thankyouwa
Jan 23
Wow! Thanks for your support of the WA bag ban @ellenbrookcentral 👏 #bagbanwa #thankyouwa
Jan 23
Thanks to the retailers and shoppers at Dog Swamp Shopping Centre for your support of the WA bag ban. #bagbanwa #thankyouwa #dogswamp
Jan 23
Great to see @lakesidejoondalup supporting the WA bag ban. #bagbanwa #thankyouwa
Jan 21
Where do you stash yours? #reusablebags #bagbanwa #thankyouwa
Jan 20
Beware the bag hustler! 😀 Remember your reusable bags when you grab dinner on the run! #bagbanwa #thankyouwa @famoussharron
Jan 17
Grabbing takeout? Don't forget your reusable bags! #bagbanwa #thankyouwa @famoussharron
Jan 17
Gratitude all round in Perth CBD 😀 😀 #thankyouwa for getting behind the WA bag ban - from @famoussharron & @bagbanwa
Jan 16
Freo knows how to bring it! @famoussharron & @bagbanwa celebrate the WA bag ban in Fremantle. #thankyouwa
Jan 16
Fremantle Market retailers and shoppers celebrate the WA bag ban with @famoussharron & friends! #thankyouwa
Jan 16
Do you really need a bag? WA seems to be coping pretty well without lightweight plastic bags... #bagbanwa #thankyouwa
Jan 11
@famoussharron was out in #vicpark this week celebrating the WA bag ban with fellow diners. Remember your reusable bags when you pop out for takeaway! #bagbanwa
Jan 11
@famoussharron out on the streets of #northbridgeperth celebrating the WA bag ban. See more: @bagbanwa.
Jan 11
Remember your reusable bags every time you leave the house! #bagbanwa #thankyouwa
Jan 9
Great to see @armadalecentral supporting the WA bag ban. #bagbanwa #thankyouwa
Jan 9
Cool strawberry #reusablebags at @naturesfarmaustralia in @cockburngateway 🍓 #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #bagbanwa #noexcuses #healthfood #retaillife #cockburngateway @cityofcockburn #national_retail_association
Oct 21
Spoiled for choice at @peachesfreshfood at #fremantle #reusablebags #ownyourimpactwa #noexcuses #bringyourownbags #recycle #retaillife #freolife #freoshopping #shoppingspree @cityoffremantle #national_retail_association
Oct 21
L'Artisan Cafe in Midland uses #recyclable and #biodegradable packaging 🌱 #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #recycle #retaillife @cityofswanwa #national_retail_association
Oct 21
Don't apologise - we think its great that you no longer offer lightweight plastic bags! 👏 Hats & More @ @midlandgate #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #bagbanwa @cityofswanwa #national_retail_association
Oct 21
It's #blooming fantastic to see Nadia at @bloomsthechemist North Perth using paper and reusable bags 🌱 #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #pharmacylife #noexcuses #reusablebags @cityofvincent #national_retail_association
Oct 21
It would be diabolic to still use lightweight plastic bags so Robin at @diabolikbooks in #mounthawthorn uses paper bags for their devilish books and records. #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #noexcuses #recycle @cityofvincent #national_retail_association
Oct 21
#recyclable paper bags at @pioscafe @ #mounthawthorn 🌱 #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #noexcuses @cityofvincent #national_retail_association
Oct 21
Simple & straightforward #reusablebags - Tara @ Under The Sun @ Kardinya Park #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #noexcuses #kardinyapark @melvillecity #national_retail_association
Oct 21
Everyone should recognise Jake @jakescontinental butchery @ Kardinya Park - especially with his unique #reusablebags 🌏 #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #noexcuses #kardinyapark #butcherlife @melvillecity #national_retail_association
Oct 21
Bill's Scoops @ Kardinya Park offers great hessian #reusablebags for all your #healthfood needs. #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #noexcuses @melvillecity #kardinya #kardinyapark #national_retail_association
Oct 21
Great #recycling initiatives 🌏 seen at @woolworths_au at Port Hedland. #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #recycle #reusablebags #national_retail_association @townofporthedland @porthedlandboulevard
Oct 21
Coolest #reusablebag so far! Lauren @nwl_liquor_barons in Port Hedland. #bringyourownbags #ownyourimpactwa #reusablebags #noexcuses #porthedland @townofporthedland #national_retail_association
Oct 21
Beautiful #porthedland - Great to see local retailers helping to protect this #environment by preparing well for the #bagbanwa 🌏 #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #noexcuses #porthedland #porthedlandlife @townofporthedland #national_retail_association
Oct 21
Now that's a nice calico bag! Port Hedland shows how it's done @ Hedland Harbour Cafe. #reusablebags #ownyourimpactwa #noexcuses @townofporthedland #porthedland #bringyourownbags #national_retail_association
Oct 21
Check out these #reusablebags from Rare Discount at #kelmscottplaza modelled by Tamara and Sophie. #recycle #ownyourimpactwa #noexcuses #bringyourownbags @cityofarmadalewa #national_retail_association
Oct 21
Erica at @amcal_pharmacy in Haynes Shopping Centre in #armadale shows off their #reusablebags 🌏 #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #pharmacylife @cityofarmadalewa #national_retail_association
Oct 21
Excited to see how well retailers in Dampier are managing the bag ban. Red Dog would be proud! #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #bagbanwa #dampier #national_retail_association
Oct 19
Another reason to get rid of lightweight #plasticbags - even if you dispose of them in landfill thousands blow away and become litter. Looking forward to a #plasticbagfree landscape... #ownyourimpactwa #bagbanwa
Oct 19
Gabby at 777 Pharmacy at Karratha proud that they have changed to paper and calico bags. #ownyourimpactwa #bringyourownbags #reusablebags #pharmacylife #karratha #national_retail_association
Oct 19
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Questions to ask suppliers
