A nationally-significant project run by the council to raise awareness of environment impact of single-use plastic bags and bottles found that major supermarket chains showed little interest.

That was in stark contrast to an earlier 2008 trial where a state-imposed levy on plastic bags resulted in a 79 per cent reduction in non-degradable bags.

City councillor Andrew Fawcett, who has been an anti-plastic campaigner for years, told colleagues on Monday night it was disappointing the recent awareness campaign showed a big drop-off in enthusiasm by shoppers and retailers.

“I understand supermarkets have to answer to their head office, but Aldi doesn’t offer free plastic bags so its surprising other chains don’t get on board,” he said.

“All plastic does is clog up the environment and landfill.”

The awareness campaign, which finished earlier this month, achieved some positive support with 27 retailers signing up.

Councillors decided to approach state and federal governments as well as the Municipal Association of Victoria for support.

A letter will also be sent to a state government inquiry committee backing a proposed 10-cent returnable levy on drink cans, bottles and cartons to encourage more recycling.

The committee is considering Victoria joining the scheme which is also proposed for a national roll-out.