Single-Use Plastic Bag Fee Doubled to 10p in England

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The levy on single-use plastic bags has been doubled from 5p to 10p in England. The new levy will be applicable to all businesses, said the Environment Ministry. It must be noted that the charges were earlier applicable only to businesses with 250 or more employees, whereas it was not compulsory for smaller shops.

The 5p fee on plastic bag was introduced in England in 2015. The move has been considered as a great success, with recent estimates suggesting that single-use plastic bags distributed at large supermarkets have witnessed nearly 95% decline since its implementation. The authorities have decided to go further, following overwhelming support from consumers in favour of expanding the existing levy.

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Rebecca Pow noted that England is also having consultations on implementing a new deposit return scheme for drinks containers.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) noted that extension of the levy to all retailers would lead to 70-80% reduction in use of single-use carrier bags by small and medium-sized establishments. It highlighted the need for reuse of the bags several times and recycling them once they are worn out.

Meantime, reports suggest that the move would result in increased demand from consumers for ‘bags for life’.