SSN

News

Scottish Government to Launch Consultation on Carrier Bags

Published 26 June 2012 in Footprint and Sustainable Consumption

The Scottish Government announced on 24 June that it will launch a consultation this week on a range of proposals, including the introduction of a charge for single-use carrier bags in supermarkets.

The consultation will cover the following proposals:

• A requirement for all retailers to charge
• This includes all thin gauge/disposable carrier bags, regardless of material
• Setting the minimum charge at 5p

The Welsh Government introduced a 5p charge on all single use carrier bags in October 2011, with supermarkets reporting a reduction of between 60-80% in carrier bag use. Northern Ireland plans to introduce a similar charge in April 2013.

The Scottish Government had intended to publish the carrier bag consultation in autumn 2011, but the consultation has been subject to delay.

Related Scottish Government press release.

Terms and Conditions | SSN, First Floor, Strathallan House, Castle Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4TZ | tel: (01786) 468769 | fax: (01786) 464611 | email: ssn@ksbscotland.org.uk