Plastic Bag Ban
The Plastic Bag Ban commenced on 1 September 2011, following a four month phase-out period.
The ban means that Territory retailers can no longer supply lightweight, "checkout" style plastic bags, including degradable bags.
There are a range of environmentally friendly options available from retailers, but you may be charged for them, or you can take your own bag to the shop.
Remember, please do not bag the retailers.
The following bags are not banned:
- Green bags (keep clean and re-use over 100 times);
- Biodegradable or compostable bags;
- Heavy retail bags;
- Paper bags;
- Barrier bags for fruit and vegetables.
Territorians use approximately 40 million plastic bags each year, creating ugly litter in our streets, killing wildlife, depleting natural resources and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The Environment Protection (Beverage Containers and Plastic Bags) Act 2011 was passed by the NT Legislative Assembly in February 2011.
A comprehensive Retailer Information Kit is available on our Retailer Information and Resources page, to help retailers with compliance.
2014: Plastic Bags Ban