IGA Springfield Lakes was praised for its role in the success of the State Government’s plastic bag ban, a year after its introduction.
Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch announced last 1 July 2019 that plastic bag litter had dropped at least 70 percent, from up to 16 million, since the introduction of the plastic bag ban last year.
“These have significant impacts on our environment, waterways and species. But now, thanks to our ban on single-use lightweight plastic bags, we are seeing an incredible drop,” Ms Enoch said.
Minister Enoch said that supermarkets like IGA Springfield had played an enormous role in the success of the measure.
“In the last 12 months this store alone has taken around 364,000 single use bags out of circulation, or about 7,000 per week, which is wonderful.
“Each bag that is taken out of circulation is one less bag that can end up in the environment or wasted in landfill.”
“Our customers have adjusted well to the changes,” IGA Springfield store owner Terry Slaughter said.
“Many bring their own bags and have told us they are happy to play their part.
“We have alternatives available for customers to use, including multiple-use bags provided to us by the Greater Springfield Landcare Group.”
Waste disposal levy
Minister Enoch also announced the reintroduction of the waste disposal levy beginning 1st of July, underpinning the State Government’s latest strategy — Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy — which is aimed at reducing waste, increasing recycling, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting the environment.
“The waste levy will help to grow the recycling and resource recovery sector – creating jobs – while reducing the amount of waste ending up in landfills,” she said.
“There are more jobs in recycling than landfill, so this is a clear economic opportunity for Queensland.”
