Retailers urged to prepare for plastic bag levy bump

Retailers are being urged to prepare for bump to the levy on plastic bags.

Government has confirmed that the price of single-use plastic carrier bags will double to 10p from 21 May.

All retailers in England will be required to charge the levy,

Government expects the use of plastic bags to fall by a further 70 to 80 per cent following the increased levy charge.

The first levy on plastic carrier bags was introduced in 2014. Since then, government has said that annual, per-person bag purchases have fallen from 140 to four.

Will Hargreaves (pictured), environmental policy lead at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, urged retailers to prepare for levy changes.

He said: “As we start recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, it 's good to see an increased nudge towards a green recovery with the aim of further reduction in plastic through this successful Government scheme.

“In the run up to 21 May, I encourage retailers of all sizes to prepare for these changes as the UK continues to couple increased environmental performance with business activity to reach the target of net zero by 2050.

“This change provides an opportunity to increase focus to a more circular economy, where waste is eliminated through reuse, which can generate income for companies."

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