ADDITIONAL single-use plastic items have been banned in the ACT since Saturday.

Now banned are the sale, supply and distribution of single-use plastic plates and bowls, expanded polystyrene loose fill packaging and expanded polystyrene trays and plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care and cleaning products.

And from January 1, the ACT government will ban all heavyweight plastic and boutique shopping bags greater than 35 microns thick.

The National Retail Association’s director of policy David Stout said: “Retailers are eager to comply, and we will continue to work with the government to seek clarity for businesses.

“We are visiting 1600 retailers across retail shopping centres, malls and strips across the ACT, by December 31 to offer ongoing education and support to ensure businesses and consumers understand what’s banned and what’s not.”

A 12-month, single-use plastic hotline (1800 844 946) is available during business hours to provide telephone advice to support businesses and other organisations that comply with the legislative requirements.