There is a strong move towards the ban of plastic bags by the South Australian Government and they are driving towards Zero waste in that sector. This ban on plastic bags will be met by the end of this year. The South Australian Government has started the anti-bag fight aggressively. Starting form May 4, 2009, South Australian Government has planned and instructed all the retailers to ban plastic bags.
As this date is drawing nearer, the big retail corporations are working towards this ban.
The South Australian Government has been working on the ban of plastic bags since 2006 with retailers and unions to promote smooth phase-out of plastic bags.
From now till May 3, 2009, retailers in South Australia need to keep the following in mind:
- Prepare for an alternative shopping bag for the customers.
- The staff members to be educated on the change.
- Need to have notices placed at all key points in this connection
From May 4, 2009, below are the rules to be followed:
- No plastic bags are to be provided to customers and if done South Australian Government would levy a maximum penalty of $5000 or a spot fine of $315.
- Ensure that all the legislations and instructions are read correctly.
- All the staff is well educated on this law of ban on plastic bags.
- Clear Display of notices that relate to the ban.
- To have necessary posters to exhibit with regard to the ban.
- Counter cards to be placed at appropriate places to remind customers.
Any bag that is made out of plastic, which has handles made of polyethylene polymer, and less than 35 microns thick are to be banned.
Bags which consist of 100% degradable prints would also be banned because degradable plastic actually breaks into smaller flakes which are hazardous waste for many years. Only bags that adhere to Australian Standard AS4736-2006 will be allowed or exempted.
Bags that would be allowed for use are:
- Paper bags
- Bags which are extremely sturdy and used for multiple purposes.
- Heavier bags that are generally distributed by clothes stores.
- Compostable bags that fall under the Australian Standard AS 4736-2006.
- Bags that are dispensed from roll, usually used for filling vegetables or fruits.
The South Australian Government has provided tips to staff for handling customers:
- Effective use of posters on walls, windows or around doors.
- Constantly remind on the ban to the customers and its implications.
- Alternative bag should be given to the customers for use.
As it is an obligation to protect the occupational health, safety and welfare of the staff, the Government of South Australia should ensure that the organizations train their staff effectively to provide proper and effective green bags to customers. The staff should be polite and warm with the customers when they decline any bag because of damage or poor quality or dirt.
This initiative taken by the South Australian Government helps in eradicating almost 400 million plastic bags in South Australia. The entire nation can show the leadership to ban the plastic bags and crack down on plastic bag pollution.
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