Minister Campaigns Ahead Of Plastic Bag Charge

With just two weeks to go until the carrier bag levy is introduced in Northern Ireland, Environment Minister Alex Attwood has been ramping up the campaign to make sure the public are aware of the new regulations.

From 8 April, retailers and businesses in Northern Ireland will be required to charge at least 5 pence for each new single use carrier bag they supply to customers.

The levy will not only apply to plastic bags, but will also cover single-use bags made from other natural materials.

The Department of Environment has released a short video to explain which bags will attract the charge, and which will be exempt.

The Minister is also keen to emphasise that the charge will be 5p per bag, rather than 5p for each shopping trip.

He said: "The levy, a first for Northern Ireland, will apply to the majority of new single use carrier bags, regardless of the material from which the bag is made. It is not just on plastic bags but other single use bags from other natural materials. There are still come occasions when a bag will be provided free of charge.

"Exceptions to the 5p levy will be on the grounds of patient confidentiality, hygiene and food safety, and when a bag is essential to protect goods or consumers, for example when taking away hot food or beverages. Some small bags will also be exempt and the levy will not apply when a carrier bag is being reused."

Consumers will be allowed to bring their own bags when shopping, whether that be a 'bag for life', a canvas bag, or an ordinary plastic carrier bag.

"Whilst we want all customers to be fully informed of the occasions when a bag will and will not be charged for, I must reiterate the important environmental message behind this government initiative," Minister Attwood continued.

"At the moment we are using around 250m carrier bags each year in Northern Ireland and we need to cut that number dramatically to reduce environmental damage. The evidence from other countries shows that a bag levy is a very effective way of doing this. Bring your own bag and you will not have to pay the levy."

The Department's video is available to view on the NI Direct website.

(IT)