Posted on 7th Feb 2011
Based on national consumption rates, approximately 40 million lightweight single-use plastic bags are currently consumed in the Territory each year. Recent national efforts have been successful in reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic bags from 5.95 billion bags in 2002 to 3.36 billion in 2006. However, consumption of these bags is now on the rise again. The gains made in reducing consumption through voluntary, co-operative arrangements have now been achieved. The Territory Government believes that greater intervention is now required to stabilise or further reduce consumption.
The ban will prohibit retailers from selling or giving away lightweight plastic bags designed for single use. The Territory will follow a similar approach to South Australia. Northern Territory legislation will prohibit the supply by retailers of plastic bags with handles that are made of polyethylene polymer less than 35 microns thick. Retailers should check with their supplier if they are unsure about the composition or thickness of the bags they are supplying.
In the Territory, like South Australia, the ban will not extend to:
(Source: http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/environment/plasticbagban/baguse.html)
Territory Plastic Bag Ban The Territory Government is working towards a cleaner, greener Territory. Cash for Containers will reduce the amount of unsightly litter from beverage containers and Government has now announced further action to make our environment cleaner by banning the supply of lightweight plastic shopping bags. Together [...]