Plastic bag ban

Northern Territory (NT) retailers must not give out lightweight, checkout-style plastic bags, including degradable bags.

The NT plastic bag ban began on 1 September 2011.

Environmentally friendly bags are available at shops, but you may have to pay for them. You should take your own bags to shop with.

All of the following bags can still be used:

• green bags - keep clean and reuse over 100 times
• biodegradable or compostable bags
• heavy retail bags
• paper bags
• barrier bags for fruit and vegetables.

Read more on the plastic bag ban on the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority website. This site has information for retailers, about environmental impacts, and bag alternatives.