New Zealand ’s ban on plastic bags , which allows the use of thin , single - use bags but permits provision of reusable carriers , went into effect on 1 July . Over 80 countries have now implemented similar bans . “(The ban) doesn’t go far enough, but what is really great Companies that violate the ban can face fines of up to NZD100,000 ( $ 67,000 ) . However , the legislation is expected to have little practical impact as the country ’s major supermarkets have already outlawed the bags voluntarily . The New Zealand government is also pledging NZ40 m to research ways of reusing plastic waste , rather than sending it overseas to landfill .
New Zealand ’s ban on plastic bags , which allows the use of thin , single - use bags but permits provision of reusable carriers , went into effect on 1 July . Over 80 countries have now implemented similar bans . Companies that violate the ban can face fines of up to NZD100,000 ( $ 67,000 ) . However , the legislation is expected to have little practical impact as the country ’s major supermarkets have already outlawed the bags voluntarily . The New Zealand government is also pledging NZ40 m to research ways of reusing plastic waste , rather than sending it overseas to landfill .