26 June 2019 - ADC- The
Ashburton District Council is reminding residents and local businesses
that single use plastic shopping bags will no longer be permitted from 1
July, and people will need to remember their re-usable bags at the
checkout.
The Government's ban
on single use plastic bags through its Waste Minimisation (Plastic
Shopping Bags) Regulations 2018 will come into effect on Monday 1 July.
The
ban will mean retailers across the country will be unable to give away
plastic bags (under 70 microns in thickness) for customers to carry
their purchases.
The impending
ban was announced in December last year, providing businesses with time
to deplete some of their plastic bag stocks, however Council Service
Delivery Group Manager, Neil McCann says there are options for those who
still might have single use plastic bags left.
"Local
businesses will be able to drop their excess bags off at the Ashburton
and Rakaia Resource Recovery Parks, free of charge, and a soft plastics
bin will also be available at the Methven Recycling Drop Off Facility.
All bags dropped off will be stored and then recycled.
"With
less plastic bags in circulation, there would be less soft plastics
being dumped or ending up in landfills, which will be a good outcome for
the environment."
The
Government reports that the new regulations will apply to all businesses
in New Zealand who sell goods. This includes sales directly to
consumers, business-to-business transactions and online sales. They also
apply to small produce markets and retail stores, through to large
department stores and supermarkets, and both profit and not-for-profit
organisations.
The ban
includes biodegradable, oxo-degradable and compostable plastic bags, as
New Zealand does not yet have the facilities available to effectively
process these products as intended.
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