Imposing an environmental levy on plastic shopping bags is not for revenue purposes, but to change people's behaviour and curb indiscriminate use of them, Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau says.

The move is one of the first projects the Government will use in implementing the producer responsibility concept, with a view to reducing the amount of waste ending up in landfills.

Speaking after the Advisory Council on the Environment meeting today, Mr Yau said members widely back the Government's plan.

"With public support and support from the council, we will start looking at how to put together a bill for introduction to the Legislative Council," he said.