Following the latest figures from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs on the number of single-use plastic bags sold in England, ACS is encouraging small retailers to introduce a voluntary charge for plastic bags.
Latest figures suggest that there has been a 86% drop in the number of plastic bags sold in the 7 largest supermarkets in England since the plastic bag charge was introduced in 2015.
The figures also revealed that the 5p plastic bag sales have contributed nearly £60m toward charities and other good causes.
Currently, only large retailers (with 250 or more full-time equivalent employees) are legally required to charge a minimum of 5p (including VAT) for every single-use plastic bag in England. Smaller retailers are not legally required to charge but can do so on a voluntary basis.
Earlier this year, ACS developed materials to support retailers to introduce a voluntary carrier bag charge including an animation highlighting the benefits of introducing a charge, guidance for retailers, and a poster to display in-store.
ACS chief executive, James Lowman said: “About half of independent convenience stores are already charging for single-use plastic bags on a voluntary basis. The funds generated by charging for these plastic bags enable retailers to support local causes whilst helping to reduce the number of plastic bags given out.”
The animation about the benefits of charging for single-use carrier bags can be found here.
For more information about the voluntary plastic bag charge and to download the free guidance, please visit here.
