Government action
In Australia
South Australia
South Australia was the first State to ban the sale or supply of lightweight single-use 'check-out style' plastic bags by retailers, in 2009. The SA government estimates that there are almost 400 million less plastic bags in SA every year as a result of the ban. Visit the Zero Waste SA website.
Six months after the ban was in place, research was conducted into the impact of the ban on plastic bag use and public attitudes. View the Executive Summary of the report.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory introduced a ban on lightweight single-use plastic bags, similar to that in South Australia. The ban took effect on 1 September 2011. More information about NT's plastic bag ban.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT was the third State/Territory to introduce a plastic bag ban. Their ban took effect on 1 November 2011. More information about ACT's plastic bag ban.
The bans in South Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT do not apply to biodegradable bags, compostable bags, or barrier bags (the type of bags which are dispensed from a roll to hold items such as fruit and vegetables).
Victoria
In 2008, the Victorian Government, in partnership with the Australian National Retailers Association, Coles, Safeway and IGA, held a trial ban on plastic bags in Warrnambool, Wangaratta and the Fountain Gate area. The trial resulted in a dramatic 79% cut in plastic bag use. Read more about the trial.
In Other Countries
Many other countries and municipalities have taken action to curb plastic bag use, from Europe and Africa to Asia and North America.