During the Anglesey Show the Waste team at the Isle of Anglesey County Council were raising awareness of the ‘Single-Use Carrier Bag Charge’ that will come into effect on 1 October 2011. Raising the issue has proved timely as posters have recently been placed at train stations and inside buses recently to launch the campaign across Wales.
“Here in Wales the imminent introduction of our carrier bag charge is ensuring that people are thinking, and talking, about the problem of carrier bags. At the beginning of August, figures were published showing that the people of Wales had reduced their carrier bag use by 7% over the last year. There’s no doubt that we still have a long way to go in reducing carrier bag use in Wales, as figures show that last year 329 million bags were given out by the major supermarkets alone. But I am confident that the charge will help us drive down carrier bag use and I hope next year’s figures will show another reduction,” said Environment and Sustainable Development Minister, John Griffiths.
At the Anglesey Show residents were asked about the issue. “Plastic bags in hedges or on the roads rolling towards you on a windy day make a dreadful noise that frightens my horse while I am riding. It’s really dangerous. I am pleased about the bag charge and hope it will reduce the number of plastic bags out there,” said Jackie Williams, horse owner and experienced rider from Penysarn, Anglesey.
The ‘Single-Use Carrier Bag Charge’ is a minimum of 5p for all types of single-use bags, including plastic, paper or compostable bags. More information is available on the website www.carrierbagchargewales.gov.uk including guidance and information for retailers.
Pictured with a member of the Waste Management Promotions team is an Anglesey resident who received a reusable bag from the Council at last year’s Anglesey Show and brought it with her this year, saying said she found it really useful when out shopping.
“We are reminding people to take reusable bags out with them every time they shop and they will avoid the bag charge when it is introduced. We must drastically reduce the number of bags given away each year, to tackle climate change, reduce litter and protect wildlife,” said Jon Eastwood, Acting Chief Waste Management Officer at Isle of Anglesey County Council.
