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From 1 November 2019, retailers are banned from giving customers lightweight plastic shopping bags. The ban will apply to plastic shopping bags with handles, with a thickness of 35 micrometres (μm) or less at any part of the bag. 

The plastic bag ban is a result of environment protection laws.

The aim of the ban is to protect Victoria’s environment and wildlife from plastic pollution.

The plastic bag ban applies to all retailers. These include:

• supermarkets
• clothes shops
• food outlets
• convenience stores
• service stations. 

Plastic bag ban spot checks

EPA has engaged the National Retail Association (NRA) in a campaign to raise awareness of Victoria's plastic bag ban. As part of the campaign, the NRA will do spot checks on retailers.

An NRA representative may:

• visit your retail business 
• request a bag that would normally be provided or sold to a customer
• use a handheld micrometer to measure the thickness of the bag. 

The NRA representative will:

• discuss the results of the spot check with you 

• provide information about the ban and answer your questions 

• give advice on sustainable alternatives relevant to your business.

 

As EPA is regulating the plastic bag ban, the NRA will forward the spot check results to EPA for our information.

Further information on the ban can be found at vicbagban.com.au

Read more

Plastic bag ban – your questions answered

Sustainability Victoria – information for the public

The Vic Bag Ban – information for retailers