Scottish carrier bag charge to begin on 20 October

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Scotland will introduce a 5p charge for carrier bags from 20 October this year after the regulations were approved by the Scottish Parliament.

Funds from the charge will be donated to good causes.

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Scottish 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 reuse 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 20 October and beyond.”