um charge, intended to encourage shoppers to think about reusing bags to prevent litter and improve Scotland’s environment, will commence on 20 October this year.Scotland currently uses 750 million bags every year – the highest number in the UK. The purpose of the charge is to encourage shoppers to think about reusing bags to prevent litter and improve Scotland’s environment.
A Scottish government spokeswoman previously said: “We know the public support our plans to cut the number of bags littering our streets, beaches and countryside with our proposals to introduce a modest charge for carrier bags receiving an overwhelmingly positive response in our consultation ‘Safeguarding Scotland’s Resources’.
A public consultation revealed overwhelming support for the charge, which will see funds generated being donated to good causes.
Welcoming the decision, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government’s regulations on carrier bag charging have been approved by Parliament. This is landmark legislation that underlines Scotland is serious about tackling litter, reducing waste and creating a cleaner, greener environment for everyone to enjoy.
“The vast number of single use carrier bags given out in Scotland is symbolic of our throwaway society. By requiring retailers to charge at least 5p per bag we want shoppers to stop and think about what we discard. Instead of taking another bag that could end up as litter, we want people to re-use their bags or consider alternatives like bags for life.
“This charge is not a tax but will see retailers donating the proceeds to charity and has the potential to raise millions of pounds for good causes, including environmental projects. The Scottish Government and delivery body Zero Waste Scotland have been working closely with retailers at all stages of the process and will continue to do so in the run up to October 20 and beyond.
“The level of support from the Scottish public is extremely heartening and I hope we can repeat the real success achieved in other counties, where similar measures have been brought in. I urge everyone to get behind it.”
Ian Gulland, Director, Zero Waste Scotland said: “Zero Waste Scotland welcomes the Scottish Parliament’s approval for a single use carrier bag charge in Scotland. This is a hugely positive step which will help to reduce the number of bags in use and therefore the number ending up as litter in our communities.
“We are working with all types of retailers affected by the charge, in all parts of Scotland, to help them understand how the charge will work and what the impact will be for their business. I encourage them to get in touch.”
