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THE countdown has begun for Queensland’s plastic bag ban which comes into effect in 50 days and retailers and the community are reminded to prepare for the change.

From 1 July, retailers will no longer be able to supply single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns in thickness to customers, for free or at a charge.

The plastic bag ban applies to all retailers including market-stall holders and organisations which supply single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags, for in-store and online sales.

Retailers who continue to supply banned bags after 1 July could face a fine of up to $6,300 per offence. A similar fine also applies to any person, such as a supplier, who provides misleading information about banned bags.

The Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said Queenslanders use almost one billion plastic shopping bags each year.

“Already many retailers across the State who have moved away from plastic shopping bags,” she said.

“It’s important time for households to starting planning on how they can use reusable shopping bags when visiting shops.

“Most household are likely to already have alternative bags they can use such as reusable ‘green’ bags or bags they use every day, like a backpack. Make sure you take them with you when you go shopping or to collect a takeaway, and keep them by the front door, in your car or in your bag.

“Regardless of which reusable shopping bags you use, to maximise the environmental benefit it’s very important that you use them over and over again, and recycle them at their end-of-life, where possible.”

The ban is one step the Government is taking to reduce single-use plastic items in an effort to tackle the growing challenge of plastic pollution.

The ban will also help keep our state beautiful for generations to come and reduce the impact of plastic pollution on our treasured environment and wildlife.