Single-use Plastic Bags

In 2009, South Australia led the way in banning single-use plastic bags. But while the rest of the country has been playing catch-up, more than 1.2 billion have ended up in the litter stream. 

Clean Up volunteers also report that 12.6% of the plastics they remove from our streets, parks, beaches, bushlands and waterways are plastic bags (41.3% being single-use). 

Some good news? NSW has finally announced plans to ban single-use plastic bags – making it the last state or territory to make the commitment.  

Learn more about the current legislation in Australia, why plastic bags are a problem and what you can do to make a positive impact. 

The Problem

While it’s clear that progress has been made, plastic bags still make their way into our environment. Once they do, the impacts are devastating – choking, smothering and killing the animals that ingest them. 


Globally, more than 100,000 marine animals and 1,000,000 sea birds lose their life to plastic each year.


It’s a shocking reality to confront. More so for our beautiful wildlife. But there are simple actions you can take to make a difference. 


Let’s look at how we can tackle the problem together.   


Single-use plastic bag legislation in Australia It’s certainly been a long time coming, but every state and territory in Australia has now put in place, or announced, a ban on lightweight single-use plastic bags. 


This is a big win for the #BagTheBan campaign, and a culmination of the amazing efforts of so many passionate people. 


Here’s a rundown of what’s happening across the country with plastic bags and otgher problematic, single-use plastics:

NSW
NSW announced plans on March 8 2020 to ban the bag as part of its Plastics Plan and 20 Year Waste Strategy. Following legislation, single-use plastic bags could be phased out by the end of 2020.  

VIC
VIC banned the bag on 1 November 2019. 
Learn more about it here.

TAS 
TAS banned the bag on 1 November 2013. 
Learn more about it here.

WA
WA banned the bag on 1 July 2018. 
Learn more about it here

QLD
QLD banned the bag on 1 July 2018. 
Learn more about it here.

ACT
ACT banned the bag on 1 November 2011. 
Learn more about it here.

NT
NT banned the bag on 1 September 2011. 
Learn more about it here

SA
SA banned the bag on 4 May 2009. 
Learn more about it here

More Actions You Can Take

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