By 10p plastic bag charge started on Friday 21 May
The single-use carrier bag charge, which has seen a 95% cut in plastic bag sales in major supermarkets since 2015, has been increased from 5p to 10 and extended to all businesses in England from 21 May to help drive down sales further.
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, it is expected that the use of single-use carrier bags will decrease by 70-80% in small and medium-sized businesses.
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.
“Let’s work together to build back greener and strengthen our world-leading action to combat the scourge of plastic waste.”
The government said all stores, including corner shops, will now have to apply the charge from that date.
A recent report published from charity WRAP finds a shift in attitude towards plastic bags since the charge was first brought in.
They found that customers are changing habits to use long-life bags made from more sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials. Of those surveyed, two in three (67%) said they used a ‘bag-for-life’ – either fabric or more durable plastic – to take their shopping home for a large food shop in store, with only 14% using a single-use carrier bag.
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