LOCAL businesses are being urged to get prepared ahead of the statewide ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags which is due to commence from November this year.
This new law will apply to all retailers and suppliers regardless of size or type – from supermarkets to fashion boutiques, from fast food outlets to petrol stations.
In the past Victorians have used over 1 billion plastic shopping bags every year. The majority of these bags end up in landfill and around 10 million end up as litter, polluting the environment and endangering wildlife.
The Victorian government has engaged the National Retail Association (NRA) to work with Victorian businesses in preparing for the ban.
The NRA has been visiting retailers in the Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Shepparton and Kilmore areas this week to provide advice for businesses preparing for the Victorian government’s plastic bag ban.
NRA manager of policy, David Stout, said it is vital that all businesses are up to speed with their responsibilities.
“Retailers should start to make the transition as soon as possible to avoid last minute decisions that may be costly and inconvenient for both their business and their customers.”
For more information on the Victorian government’s public campaign visit https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/Campaigns/Better-Bag-Habits
