All single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less will be banned in Victoria from 1 November 2019.
The plastic bag ban includes all bags made from degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic.
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath is offering her Gippsland constituents free re-usable shopping bags to prepare for the single use plastic bags ban in Victoria coming into effect.
“Single use plastic bags are having a devastating effect on our environment and adding to the growing waste crisis in Victoria,” said Ms Bath.
“Plastic bags are blocking our drains and creeks, injuring local wildlife and cost millions to clean up.
“The single use plastic bag ban will go a long way in changing our behaviours and reducing the amount of plastic ending up in landfill or in the environment.
Produce bags used for unpackaged food like fruit, meat and seafood, garbage bags and bin liners, and dog waste and nappy bags will remain legal.
“In Victoria about 10 per cent of all waste disposed of to landfill is plastic, so eliminating single use plastic where we can is a small but very practical way to reduce our environmental impact,” Ms Bath said.
“It doesn’t have to be hard or expensive to make a difference and I am pleased to support this important initiative by offering the free bags across the Gippsland.”
“Anyone who wants a free reusable bag ahead of the ban can call in to my electorate office at 181 Franklin Street Traralgon.”
