CONTACT VIC EPA
The Victorian Government implemented a state-wide ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags on 1 November 2019.
The ban applies to ALL retailers – including supermarkets, greengrocers, bakeries, pharmacies, clothes stores, restaurants, cafes, markets, food outlets, and many more.
The ban applies to all lightweight plastic shopping bags which have a thickness of 35 microns or less at any part of the bag, including degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has engaged the National Retail Association (NRA) to help retailers’ transition away from lightweight plastic bags.
Since March, the National Retail Association has visited over 180 locations engaging over 15,000 retailers to provide assistance and advice on the ban.
EPA Victoria is managing compliance monitoring and reports of suspected banned bags.
As the ban is now in effect, you can report a suspected banned bag to EPA Victoria. Anyone can report a suspected banned bag though we do ask that you first check what is / isn't banned here.
Call the EPA: 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC)
Email the EPA: contact@epa.vic.gov.au
Go to the EPA website: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/plasticbags
DISPLAY SIGNAGE IN YOUR STORES
As the ban is now in effect, we recommend all Victorian retailers display the official signage in your store to inform customers.
Signs are also available in 11 languages other than English.
Please note: the advice provided on this website is designed to assist retailers in understanding the ban and weighing up options but is by no means exhaustive. Each retail business should assess and make decisions based on their own advice and situation.