The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) today confirmed that the changes to plastic bag charge regulations will take effect on 21 May. The charge will increase to 10p in England and extend to all retailers.
The measures were set to take effect on 30 April, but delayed due to issues with the parliamentary timetable.
The Defra has now urged small businesses to prepare themselves for the changes. In England, the plastic bag charge is being extended to all retailers for the first time. The current 5p charge applies to retailers employing over 250 people.
The department said the extension is expected to reduce the use of single-use carrier bags by 70-80 per cent in small and medium-sized businesses.
“The introduction of the 5p charge has been a phenomenal success, driving down sales of harmful plastic bags in supermarkets by a remarkable 95 per cent,” Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said.
“We know we must go further to protect our natural environment and oceans, which is why we are now extending this charge to all businesses. Over the next couple of weeks I urge all retailers of all sizes to make sure they are ready for the changes, as we work together to build back greener and strengthen our world-leading action to combat the scourge of plastic waste.”
James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, welcomed the inclusion of local shops and other small businesses into the plastic bag charging scheme, saying it is also “a great way for retailers to raise money for local and national charities.”
The regulation continues to provide smaller retailers with an exemption from reporting bags issued. Retailers with over 250 employees are required by law to record and report how many bags they sell.
The government guidance on retailers' responsibilities with respect to carrier bag charges is available here.
