Hamish McDouall wants plastic bag free Whanganui

Whanganui City Council mayor Hamish McDouall. Photo/Bevan Conley

Hamish McDouall wants Whanganui to become plastic bag free.

The district's mayor said he was proud of the Whanganui retailers who had ditched single-use plastic bags but he said more could be done to reduce waste in Whanganui.

"Imagine if we were the first district in New Zealand to be fully plastic bag free."

Last week Countdown Victoria Ave got rid of free plastic bags and Mitre 10 Mega will be plastic bag free from July 1 with other big box retailers following.

"I have seen instances where some bigger retail chains double-bag groceries or begin using plastic bags before the customer has a chance to provide their own reusable bag." McDouall said.

"In order for our community to reduce its waste, the attitude of some retailers needs to change."

Last year Local Government New Zealand supported a levy on retailers who use plastic bags.

A similar levy introduced in the United Kingdom reduced single use plastic bag use by 85 per cent.

"Whanganui District Council supported this levy in principle but I believe we can do so much more locally to lead by example," McDouall said.

"I want to encourage smaller retailers to offer alternatives to single-use plastic bags, such as paper bags, supply reusable bags and encourage their customers to bring their own bag."

Retailers wanting to reduce their waste can talk to Whanganui District Council about this by contacting the council on 06 349 0001 or emailing wdc@whanganui.govt.nz