Bag charge on way

By Kelly Yates
CASEY shoppers will be among the first in Australia to pay for plastic bags after the trial of a plastic bag levy was given the go-ahead by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The four-week trial is set to begin on 1 August, involving Coles, Woolworths and IGA supermarkets in Narre Warren, Wangaratta and Warrnambool.
Each plastic bag accepted by shoppers will attract a 10-cent charge.
The ACCC has granted authorisation for the pilot program subject to any significant concerns that may be raised before the starting date.
The Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) will use the trial to see how shoppers respond to being charged for each plastic bag they use.
The data the trial gathers will help the State Government and the retail industry devise a strategy on reducing plastic bag use.
ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said the trial would help all governments to determine the most effective way to cut use of the bags.
“The ACCC considers that the proposed trial has the potential to result in benefits to the public, by providing some evidence of the extent to which the charge will reduce bag usage,” he said.
“Consumers in Narre Warren, Wangaratta and Warrnambool can avoid the charge on plastic bags by bringing their own carry bags.”
ANRA chief executive Margy Osmond said money raised from the 10-cent levy would be spent on community education and local environmental projects.
“This trial is a practical way to find the cheapest, simplest way to encourage consumers to reduce their plastic bag use,” Ms Osmond said.
She said retailers would not profit from the charge.
The ACCC is seeking submissions from interested parties in relation to its draft determination of the trial by Monday 28 July.