Critical dates for retailers  

Now

Stop buying lightweight, checkout style plastic bags.

• Order alternatives - see the list of suppliers.
• Follow the lead of many South Australian retailers and stop using plastic bags now.
• Brief your staff on what the new law will mean to them.
• Develop standard procedures for offering alternative bags, handling heavy bags or politely declining dirty bags.
• Train staff to handle customer complaints or queries.

1 January 2009

Only four months left to phase-out stocks of lightweight plastic bags.

• Help your customers by offering alternatives.
• Display notices about the bag ban.
• Use a poster to remind customers.
• Support your staff during the phase out.
• Thank your customers and your staff for making the change.

4 May 2009

The bag ban is enforced.

• The fines will apply if you either sell or give away the banned plastic bags.
• Cash register notice can be removed.