Message to takeaway from bag ban success
No fines handed out as retailers comply with plastic bag restrictions
RETAILERS across the Far North appear to be abiding by Queensland’s plastic bag ban, but a conservationist says more work is still needed to cut down on plastic waste.
Figures obtained from the Department of Environment and Science show there have been zero retailers across the region who have been fined for dispensing banned plastic bags since the statewide ban was introduced last year.
Since July 1, businesses have faced fines of more than $6000 per offence for supplying a shoppers with single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags.
A DES spokeswoman said the Queensland Government, in conjunction with the National Retail Association, was continuing to work with retailers and bag suppliers to ensure they were compliant with the state’s plastic bag ban.
“In Far North Queensland, the NRA is continuing to investigate a small number of complaints,” she said.
“However, to date, the NRA has not seen any evidence of retailers breaching the legislation and therefore no retailers have been fined.”
Toby Hutcheon, the Queensland manager of conservation group Boomerang Alliance, said he believed retailers statewide had generally abided by the plastic bag ban.
“I would be a little bit hesitant to say that all retailers have been able to comply,” he said. “The ones I’ve really noticed that haven’t are takeaway places that provide hot food.
“I’m noticing that you might get some noodles, or fish and chips, or something like that, and they’re still putting it in a plastic bag.”
He said it was difficult to know how well the ban was being monitored by the government and NRA.
“I would say I think the ban has been very positive, but we still have work to do,” he said.
“The particular concern is how many retailers have stopped providing lightweight bags, who are now providing thicker bags instead.
“That’s more work that needs to be done.”
Richard’s Salt and Pepper Takeaway owner and chef Richard Fomekong switched from plastic bags to paper bags and cornstarch containers at his Holloways Beach-based eatery earlier last year.
“It hasn’t been easy to totally get rid of plastic, particularly when you go to the market and everything is wrapped in plastic,” he said.
“It’s also more expensive, but we’ve still been able to manage.”
I’M NOTICING THAT YOU MIGHT GET SOME NOODLES, OR FISH AND CHIPS ... AND THEY’RE STILL PUTTING IT IN A PLASTIC BAG TOBY HUTCHEON