Plastic bags could soon be history as federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt signals he's ready to use the "bully pulpit" of national government to enforce an Australia-wide ban.

Single-use plastic bags can still be used in Sydney, despite being banned in Canberra, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Clean up Australia wants plastic bags banned forever. Credit:Steven Siewert

"It's a little bit hard under federal law to do that, but you can use the bully pulpit of the national role to make sure we get rid of these non-biodegradable bags," Mr Hunt said.

"Sadly, they're more prevalent than you may think."