Waste Reduction and Recycling Amendment Bill 2017

Overview

This bill creates the legal framework for Queensland's plastic shopping bag ban and container refund scheme, both starting 1 July 2018. It also strengthens the rules that govern when waste materials can be reused as resources.

Who it affects

Every shopper and drink buyer in Queensland is affected, along with retailers, beverage manufacturers, community groups, and the waste and recycling industry.

Key changes

• Retailers cannot give out lightweight single-use plastic shopping bags (including biodegradable ones) from 1 July 2018, with fines of up to $3,047.50 per offence for companies
• A container refund scheme lets people return eligible empty drink containers for a cash refund at container refund points or reverse vending machines
• Beverage manufacturers must fund the scheme, register their containers, and display a refund marking on them
• A not-for-profit Product Responsibility Organisation will run the scheme, with a board that includes independent directors and community representatives
• The government gains new powers to place conditions on how recycled 'end of waste' resources are used, with penalties of up to 1,665 penalty units for misuse