N.Ireland proposes up to 25p as carrier bag levy minimum charge

Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the NI Carrier Bag Levy.

The proposals include an increase of the levy to a minimum of either 20p or 25p, from the current minimum of 5p, on all carrier bags and removing the exemption for bags which are sold to customers for a sum of not less than 20 pence each.

“Whilst the existing Carrier Bag Levy has been successful in already removing in excess of 1.5 billion bags from circulation I am aware heavy duty bags are now flooding the market, and are not being reused with harmful environmental consequences,” Poots said.

“We can and must do more. To tackle as such we are intending to review, simplify and future proof our existing carrier bag legislation.”

The Carrier Bag Levy in Northern Ireland applies to all bags with a retail price below 20p and not just plastic bags, regardless of whether they are single use or reusable.

The consultation also proposes to remove several exemptions currently in place such as bags that take-away hot food and hot drinks and those used to carry goods bought in an airport and other areas designated as security restricted, among others.

The consultation closes on 27 July.

Last month, changes to plastic bag charge regulations took effect in England, with the charge increasing to 10p and extending to all retailers for the first time.