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The South Australian Bag Ban
On June 18 2008, the South Australian Minister for Environment & Conservation, Gail Gago, introduced legislation seeking to ban light-weight plastic shopping bags.
The ban is planned to come into full effect from 4 May 2009. After that date, it is proposed that single-use, light-weight polyethylene bags cannot be given away or sold by retailer for carrying goods. Retailers will be able to charge for alternative bags that they supply.
Which bags are proposed to be banned?
Light-weight palstic bags made of polyethylene polymer with a thickness of less tha 35 microns (a micron is 1000th of a millimetre). Theses bags are generally used by supermarkets and take-away food outlets.
Which bags will not be banned?
- Paper bags and compostable bags that meet the Australian Standard
- Barrier bags - the type dispensed from a roll to hold items such as losse fruit and vegetables
- Heavier style retail bags (boutique bags)
- Multiple use bags such as 'Green Bags'
- Bin liners for purchase.
What about degradable bags?
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 proposed ban. These bags are usually made of some form of starch or other compostable material.
