Plastic Bag usage down by 83 percent

Since its introduction, the 5p plastic bag charge has reduced use by over nine billion bags – enough to wrap around the world more than 100 times. 

Money raised from the charge has generated £95 million for good causes.

Samantha Harding, litter programme director at the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), reflected on the latest statistics:

“It is fantastic to see that the huge reduction in bag use has been sustained since the scheme was introduced over 18 months ago. Over time, it will have a positive effect on the disastrous plastic pollution in our seas and countryside, and it proves that the public support environmental incentives.”

From:

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP

Part of:

Environmental quality, Waste and recycling, and Marine environment

Published:

21 July 2017