CIWM would like to use cookies to store information on your computer, to improve our website. One of the cookies we use is essential for parts of the site to operate and has already been set. You may delete and block all cookies from this site, but parts of the site will not work. To find out more about the cookies we use and how to delete them, see our CIWM Privacy Policy.

CIWM
You are here: CIWM  >  Publications  >  Latest News  >  Wales To Levy Charge On Carrier Bags

Wales To Levy Charge On Carrier Bags

15 March 2011

Welsh Government will soon introduce a minimum charge of 5 pence for single-use carrier bags, starting 1 October. The countdown to the new policy to be put in action has already begun with only 200 days left for the authorities to execute the new regulation.

An estimated 445 million bags a year are handed out in Wales, which account for 2.7 percent of litter by weight according to Keep Wales Tidy survey figures. The move to charge for carrier bags is in line with the Assembly Government's goal of dramatically reduce the number of carrier bags given out to shoppers.

The retailers have already be informed of the changes and are being sent a pack by the Government that explains the main points of the charge and answers questions most often asked by retailers.

Speaking on the policy, environment minister, Jane Davidson said: "We have worked closely with the British Retail Consortium, Federation of Small Business, CBI and others in developing our charge for single use carrier bags and delayed introducing the charge by six months to accommodate the requests of retailers.

"This charge has always been popular with the public and I am certain that it will help us to significantly reduce the number of carrier bags given out in Wales.

"There is no doubt in my mind that such a reduction is needed. In Wales during 2009 we took home on average 273 carrier bags per household from the major supermarkets alone. Add to this the number of bags we pick up when shopping on the high street or at smaller stores and you are left with an even higher figure.

"Whilst I know that reducing our use of single use carrier bags is not going to solve all our environmental problems the charge delivers an important message about the need for us to live much more sustainable lives."

The Assembly Government is optimistic that the charge levied is high enough to encourage people to change their shopping habits but no too high that it will deter impulse shopping or place a significant burden on shoppers who have forgotten their reusable bags.

Krishna Buddhiraju