Single-use plastic bags banned in the Northern Territory
Date: 01-Sep-11
Author: Zhi Yan
In February this year, the NT government passed legislation to pave the way for a ban on single-use plastic bags. A four-month roll-out period ran from May to August, to allow retailers and consumers to adjust. As of today, the ban takes full effect.
The ban prohibits retailers from selling or giving away lightweight, 'checkout' style plastic bags designed for single use. Shoppers will have many alternatives, however, including the choice to use their own reusable bags or purchase reusable bags from the retailer.
The NT government is hopeful that the ban will reduce the estimated 40 million plastic bags currently used in the Northern Territory every year.
For more information on the ban, visit this page.
