Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has welcomed progress towards the introduction of a plastic bag levy in Wales, following an announcement by Environment Minister Jane Davidson that a 7p charge for carrier bags could be introduced in stores in Wales from spring 2011.
Commenting, Assembly Member Mr Bates states:
“I welcome the continued commitment by the Environment Minister to introduce a carrier bag levy in Wales. It is estimated that in Wales we use 480 million plastic bags each year, equivalent to around 400 per household and many of these go into landfill, to leave a vast legacy for many generations to come. Of the £37m total cost of removing all litter across Wales, £1m is spent on cleaning up plastic bags alone, so there are clear savings to be made.
“A levy will help to reduce our reliance on single use carrier bags, which will be better for the environment and will encourage more sustainable good practice. The hardest part for me to overcome will be impulse buying, where I may not have my reusable bag with me and will be charged a levy, but I can rest assured in the knowledge that the money will be used for good causes.
“In the current economic climate many charities may be struggling to raise funds and we need to look generously at ways to do this. A levy which encourages good behaviour, reduces waste and will bring benefits to our environment and wildlife is an excellent proposal and the money will ultimately end up back in the hands of the people by being used for the benefit of our environment and local communities.”
The Environment Minister will be at the Hay Festival on Friday, where it is expected she will launch a second consultation on the carrier bag charge.
