The Plastic Bag Challenge

How you can take up the plastic bag challenge
the issue of reducing our use of plastic bags is not one with a short-term solution. Currently, less than one per cent of the over six billion plastic bags used in Australia each year are being re-used and only
ten per cent of households take their plastic bags
to a central collection point for recycling.

The challenge is for all Australians to reduce their
use of plastic bags by 50% and increase recycling
of those plastic bags they do use. We encourage shoppers and retailers to take action and participate
in their local area by finding ways to reduce,
reuse, recycle and replace plastic bags.

Help reduce the use of plastic bags!

Step 1: Count your bags

Count the number of plastic bags you currently use
on a weekly basis and see how many of these you
can refuse, reduce, reuse or recycle.

Step 2: Reduce Your Use and Recycle Your Plastic Bags

Tips to help:

Refuse (avoid)

If you're only buying a couple of items, consider carrying them when shopping, take alternatives to plastic bags with you such as calico bags, string bags, baskets or boxes. Keep them in the car so they're handy.

Reduce

Decline heavy, non-recyclable plastic bags (LDPE) offered by retailers. If you have no other option than to accept plastic bags at the checkout, make sure at least eight items are in each bag - depending of course on the weight of the items. Avoid putting
items with carry handles into bags (dog food, milk containers, nappies, etc) Avoid double-bagging

Recycle

Find a local supermarket, which offers recycling facilities for plastic supermarket bags, such as Coles
or Woolworths. Take your old plastic supermarket bags
back for recycling the next time you go shopping.
If you can't find the recycling bin,

Suggest to the store manager that it's put in a more prominent place. If you can't find the recycling bin,
or the store doesn't have recycling facilities, ask the store manager about their recycling policy.

Be careful to check which plastic bags are accepted
at the recycling bins - it is only possible to recycle HDPE supermarket plastic bags, not the heavier bags used by other retailers (LDPE). Make sure your bags are clean and empty - don't forget to take the docket or receipt out

Reuse

There are many ways to reuse plastic bags at home including: freezing food; packing children's school lunches; storage of clothing and other household items; to clean up after your dog when out walking;
to name just a few.

Step 3 Remember

In order to change the way we use plastic bags we need to:

Remember to take alternate bags shopping; remember to take them out of the car; and
remember to take the bags you do use back for recycling