Plastic Bags
South Australia's Plastic Shopping Bag Ban
Australia is a huge consumer of single-use plastic bags and as a result we have a large environmental problem to deal with. Each year, Australians use around seven billion plastic bags. That’s something like 350 a year for every single person. It represents a massive use of resources to make them and a significant problem in disposing of them.
Lightweight plastic bags were phased out in South Australia starting from 1 January 2009, with single-use plastic bags being banned from 4 May 2009.
Which bags will be banned?
- The ban will prohibit retailers from selling or giving away plastic bags with handles made of polyethylene polymer less than 35 microns thick.
- Lightweight plastic bags which are marked ‘degradable’ will be banned because degradable plastics merely break down into smaller and smaller flakes which remain as damaging waste for many years.
Which bags are allowed?
- Compostable bags that state they meet the Australian Standard AS 4736-2006.
- Barrier bags, the type dispensed from a roll, typically for items such as loose fruit and vegetables.
- Heavier retail (or boutique) bags, typically used by clothing and department stores.
- Sturdy bags designed for multiple use such as the ‘green’ bags. These bags are recyclable at the end of their life.
KESAB environmental solutions has joined with Zero Waste SA to help find a better way for us and for our environment. Visit www.byobags.com.au for information on the plastic bag ban.
Click here for the Plastic Bag Teaching Resource.