Single-Use Plastic Carrier Bag Charge Increase

From 21st May in England, the minimum charge for plastic bags will increase from 5p to 10p per bag, and will be applicable to all businesses regardless of size. The plastic bag charge is already applicable to all businesses in Scotland and Wales.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: "The introduction of the 5p charge has been a phenomenal success, driving down sales of harmful plastic bags in supermarkets by a remarkable 95%. We know we must go further to protect our natural environment and oceans, which is why we are now extending this charge to all businesses. Over the next couple of weeks I urge all retailers of all sizes to make sure they are ready for the changes, as we work together to build back greener and strengthen our world-leading action to combat the scourge of plastic waste."

New figures from DEFRA show that as a result of the carrier bag charge, the average person in England now buys just four single-use carrier bags a year from the main supermarkets, compared with 140 in 2014. By extending the charge to all retailers, the Government expects that the use of single-use carrier bags will decrease by 70-80% in small and medium-sized businesses.

DEFRA has produced posters for retailers to display in-store and updated its guidance on retailer responsibilities.

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