Welsh Bag Tax To Encourage Reusable Shopping Bags

Last Updated on Saturday 09th Jun 2018

Originally posted Tuesday 4th Jan 2011

Reusable shopping bags

The Welsh Assembly has now confirmed the introduction of legislation to introduce a charge on single use carrier bags. The law, which will introduce a 5p charge per carrier bag, will come into effect from 1st October 2011.

The idea, which was the brainchild of Welsh Environment Minister Jane Davidson, is to help encourage people to change their shopping habits, and move towards reuseable shopping bags. Speaking about the policy, Environment Minister Jane Davidson said: “Today is a great day for Wales and for our environment and I am delighted that our carrier bag charge will now become law.” “The charge has cross party support and 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,” she added.

The burden of administration will fall on retailers, who will be expected to provide evidence about the charge. Further details are expected later in the year. Further updates can be found by visiting the Welsh Assembly’s own website.

Updated …

When it came to reducing the environmental impact of single-use carrier bags in the UK, Wales led the way. From October 2011, ahead of the other home nations, the Welsh Assembly introduced the carrier bag levy, spearheaded by Welsh Environmental Minister, Jane Davidson.

A year later, plastic carrier bag usage in Wales was reduced by 96%, signifying a dramatic shift in consumer habits. In fact, a review of the Single Use Carrier Bag (SUCB) policy revealed that 74% of shoppers supported the levy, adopting the habit of using their own bags or ‘bags for life’. Studies show women and older people are especially enthusiastic about the carrier bag levy. See Daily Mail article.

Meanwhile, over 85% of retailers confirmed the charge had little or no effect on their businesses, while many reported a positive impact.

Bag Tax

National Resources Minister Carl Sargeant said, “The introduction of the SUCB charge has led to important benefits to the environment.” As a nation, Wales is fiercely protective of its beautiful beaches, countryside and thriving cities, and is, therefore, cognisant of the potential for environmental urban and rural pollution plastic bags represent.

But perhaps the most significant impact of the carrier bag charge is the amount of money generated by retailers for distribution to charities and other good causes. One national home and hardware chain has partnered with charities including Cancer Research Wales, Wales Air Ambulance, Keep Wales Tidy and others, sharing with them thousands of pounds. Check out Wilkos dedication to reducing plastic bags