Retailer's plastic bag levy raises millions for charities

The tax levy on plastic bags has had a “huge positive impact” on charities around the UK, according to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

Nearly 10 million pounds has been distributed via CAF to charities by retailers like Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s since the 5p levy was introduced nationwide in October 2015. High street stores such as Arcadia Group and other clothing retailers will have adopted the levy if the have more than 250 employees. That means an item of clothing costing 29.99 pounds would be 30.04 pounds if you wish to take it in a carrier bag.

A landmark European Parliament ruling in April 2015 meant that all member states must achieve an 80 percent reduction in polyethylene bag use by 2025.

Over 29 million pounds raised

Figures from the CAF released recently indicate that the levy raised at least 29 million pounds in total for good causes in its first six months alone.

The levy currently sees four pence of the 5p charge go to charity while the remaining 1p goes to the Government Treasury.

According to figures released last week by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, since the levy was introduced plastic bag usage across the UK has plummeted by six billion, with the biggest retailers experiencing an 85 per cent drop in usage.

In Europe, Denmark and Finland are leading the way when it comes to phasing out plastic carrier bags. On average only four plastic bags per person are used in each of these countries annually. Ireland has experienced a successful bag levy scheme since 2002. Initially a charge of 15 cent was placed on each plastic bag which had an immediate effect and in 2007 the cost was raised to 22 cent.

Photo credit:M&S plastic bag, BBC