Home Business Big retailers must charge for carrier bags from October

Big retailers must charge for carrier bags from October

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Lancashire County Council is reminding shopkeepers and consumers about compulsory charging for disposable carrier bags, which comes into force this autumn.

The Single Use Carrier Bags Charges (England) Order 2015 means that, from 5 October 2015, larger retailers must charge shoppers at least 5p for each disposable plastic carrier bag they provide.

The charge is just one of the environmental measures being introduced under the Climate Change Act 2008 and is aimed at reducing the 7 billion plastic bags we throw away each year. Similar legislation introduced in Wales, in 2011, led to a 79% reduction in the number of carrier bags being treated as waste.

Lancashire County Council’s Trading Standards Service will enforce the changes, which apply to shops and delivery companies with premises in the county. The charges don’t just apply to big supermarkets but will affect any retailer with 250 or more full-time-equivalent employees.

The charge affects all lightweight disposable carrier bags and also applies to more durable “bags for life”, although replacements for re-usable bags can still be provided free of charge when they wear out. Bags used to sell goods such as raw meat, unwrapped food and certain medicines are exempt from the charge as are bags provided as part of a service, such as shoe repairs or dry cleaning. Paper bags are also not covered by the legislation.

As well as the obvious visual litter problem caused by plastic bags, they have a devastating impact on marine animals such as whales, seals, sea birds and turtles. More than 100,000 animals die every year after ingesting or becoming entangled in them.

County Councillor Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing said, “Making small changes to our shopping habits can make a huge difference to the environment.

“Reusing some of the 130 carrier bags we each throw away every year could have significant benefits to wildlife, and help to save energy, and reduce waste and pollution.

“Our Trading Standards officers are currently working with businesses to prepare for this change in the law. If you think your business may be affected and would like some advice, please get in touch.”

Lancashire business who might be affected by the changes can contact the Trading Standards Service for advice on 01772 532145.

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