A full ban on lightweight plastic bags is now in place across the Central Coast with support and advice available to businesses, organisations and consumers.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said that while the ban was being implemented this week, extensive consultation with businesses had been happening for years, with a transition period taking place over the past six months to give businesses the opportunity to use up old stock and make appropriate changes to adjust to the bans.
“This is a great step towards protecting our environment, and it’s important that businesses know they can get help and advice if they need it,” Crouch said.
“We know there is widespread support among businesses for the plastics ban, and in turn, businesses throughout our region have been supported through monthly webinars and community sessions as well as ongoing support hotlines.”
Environment Minister, James Griffin, said businesses were leading the way when it came to protecting the environment and reducing the amount of plastic ending up in landfill.
“I’m proud to see the ban on single-use plastic bags come into effect and the way Central Coast businesses have embraced the positive change that will ultimately mean less impact on the environment and reduced fees on waste,” Griffin said.
“The NSW Government is working with the National Retail Association to deliver targeted education campaigns for retailers, suppliers and community organisations that will be impacted by the bans, to ensure that questions businesses might have are being answered.”
Businesses can call the National Retail Association’s free hotline (1800 844 946) for advice on the single-use plastic bans.
Resources are also available in multiple languages to support culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Thin plastic bags (35 microns or less) can no longer be supplied, even if they’re made from compostable plastics.
The ban does not apply to: thicker plastic bags (over 35 microns) like those from major supermarkets and boutique stores; or barrier bags such as produce and deli bags, bin liners and compost caddy liners, nappy bags and pet waste bags.
For information on which plastics are no longer allowed, visit http://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics-ban
Source: Media release, Jun 2, 2022, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch