Queensland may tackle littering with plastic bag ban

The Queensland government could ban single-use plastic bags as part of a raft of pro-environment measures in a bid to reduce the level of litter afflicting Queensland.

The measures could also include fees for plastic bags and refunds for bottles, the Courier Mail has reported.

Environment Minister Steven Miles is likely to introduce legislation to parliament next year after thorough consultation with industry, conservation groups and the general public.

Dr Miles said a government survey had shown up to 40 percent of small sea turtles in Moreton Bay had eaten plastic, illustrating the scope of the problem.

"Seventy percent of endangered small loggerhead turtles had also ingested plastic debris," he said.

A number of states and territories in Australia have similar waste-reducing initiatives, such as South Australia's drink bottle refund scheme.

However, National Retailers Association spokesman Trevor Evans said a plastic bag ban could hurt businesses and consumers.