- Single use plastic bags will be banned in Queensland as of July 1, 2018
- The state parliament approved the ban unanimously on Tuesday night
- Under the series of new laws, a 10 cent refund will be offered for drink containers
Plastic bags will be banned in Queensland under new laws passed by the state’s parliament overnight.
The single use bags, both degradable and biodegradable, will not longer be available in stores as of July 1, 2018, according to ABC.
Although most retailers have already stopped handing out the bags, they could face a fine of up to $3,000 if they violate the new laws.
The parliament also voted on Tuesday to allow 10 cent refunds for drink containers that hold between 150ml to three litres, the publication said.
Plastic bags will be banned in Queensland under new laws passed by the state’s parliament. The single use bags, degradable and biodegradable, won’t be available as of July 1 (stock image)
Environment Minister Steven Miles told The Courier Mail the fact that both parties supported the new laws showed community support for the ban on bags.
‘These initiatives will stop the scourge of plastic shopping bags, and put a price on beverage containers so they get recycled,’ he said.
‘By passing this Bill we say to our young people that we value our wildlife, especially our marine creatures like turtles, sea birds and dugongs.’
‘We say that we want our parks, our waterways, Moreton Bay and the Great Barrier Reef to be litter free.’
Although most retailers have already stopped handing out the bags, they could face a fine of up to $3,000 if they violate the new laws (stock image)