Aussie's to Pay for Plastic Bags

Following on from legislation introduced in other countries such as South Africa, Australian politicians are lobbying for a levy to be placed on the use of plastic shopping bags.

The move follows on from retailers failure to meet targets of 50% recycling and reduction rates, which were expected to reduce plastic bag litter by an estimated 75%.

Last year Australia consumed approximately 6.9billion plastic bags, of which many ended up in waterways and threatened wildlife. The introduction of levies and legislations etc. in other countries has successfully reduced their consumption.

Governments proposal is to impose a 25 cent levy on plastic bags, which has not been well received by the Australian Retailers Association, noting that the levy would most likely be passed on to consumers. The first draft of the new legislation is due in July from the Environment Minister.

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