Carrier bag Charging to Begin in England on 5 October 2015

[ALEO Admin]

From 5 October 2015, it will become compulsory for large retailers in England to charge customers at least 5 pence for a new, single-use, plastic carrier bag, in line with similar charges introduced in Wales in 2011, Northern Ireland in 2013 and Scotland in 2014.

Small or medium-sized businesses employing less than the equivalent of 250 or more full-time employees don’t have to charge, but they’re free to do so voluntarily.

Companies charging for bags will be expected to send reporting records to Defra, on or before 31 May following the end of the reporting year.

There are currently no exemptions for biodegradable bags, although the government is considering this.

Retailers are expected to donate proceeds from carrier bag sales to good causes.

To read more, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carrier-bag ... sibilities