Three days to go until Welsh carrier bag charge

On Saturday October 1, Wales will become the first UK country to introduce a charge for single use carrier bags. Shoppers in Wales will have to pay a minimum of 5p for single use carrier bags, in an effort to dramatically cut down on the excessive number of bags given out each year.

The Welsh Government believes that introducing a charge is the only way to continue reducing the number of single use carrier bags used by consumers. Last year households in Wales took home an average of 273 bags each from supermarkets. The Welsh Government expects the charge to reduce usage of single use bags in Wales by 90%.

The First Minister said: Wales is leading the way in the UK by introducing a charge for single use carrier bags. Our plans have been welcomed by people across Wales, and indeed the UK, as a positive way of addressing the blight of bags on our landscape and a waste of resources.

Of course the charge can be simply avoided by remembering to carry bags whenever you go shopping. Remembering to reuse your bags means you will be contributing to a more sustainable Wales.

The Environment Minister said that the introduction of the charge delivered an important message about the need for everyone to live more sustainable lives.

He said: This principle is at the heart of Welsh Government policy making. Carrier bags present a real litter problem and its estimated that local authorities spend more than 1m a year clearing them up.

No money raised from the charge will come to the Welsh Government. Retailers will pass on any proceeds to local good causes or environmental projects.

The Welsh Government has worked closely with retailers on the introduction of the charge. As a result of two consultations the date of implementation was delayed and retailers with a headcount of less than 10 are exempt from having to keeps records around the charge.
There will be a three month settling in period to allow retailers to get used to the new legislation. During this time enforcement action by local authorities will be avoided.