Northern Ireland to introduce 5p bag charge in 2013

Northern Irelands Department of Environment is aiming to reduce the number of carrier bags that are used in Northern Ireland each year which the government estimates is around 250 million.

The initial charge for single-use plastic bags will be set at five pence when the scheme commences next spring, but the minister has indicated that the charge will rise to ten pence in April 2014, in order to give people time to get used to the system.

Mr Attwood said: I recognise that consumers will need time to change their behaviour and adjust to bringing their own bags when they shop. I therefore propose to discount the charge to five pence in the first year, when the levy will only apply to single use carrier bags. This will ensure a phased approach to charging.

‘Scourge on the environment’

There is no doubt that carrier bags are a scourge on the environment. Evidence from other countries demonstrates that a bag levy is a simple and effective means to reduce substantially the negative environmental impact of carrier bag consumption. A proposed ten pence levy on single use carrier bags and lower cost reusable carrier bags can bring about significant environmental improvement.

The Northern Irish government launched a public consultation into the bag levy last year, and also outlined its intention to use revenue raised through the levy to fund environmental projects (see letsrecycle.com story).

Mr Attwood added: I am committed to making Northern Ireland a better place to live, work and invest and this will certainly contribute to that goal. I fully recognise that this new levy will be of great relevance to many consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland.

Wales

The move follows the introduction of a similar carrier bag charge introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government in October 2011, the first of its kind in the UK, where a five pence charge is in operation across all single-use plastic and paper bags (see letsrecycle.com). The Welsh government announced that in the lead up to the bag charge, carrier bag usage had dropped by 7%.

The introduction of the levy is subject to approval in the Northern Ireland Assembly of the required primary legislation.