Wales poised to introduce ban on single-use plastic bags

The Climate Change Act, which was passed last year, gives WAG the authority to introduce regulations to ban single-use bags in Wales.

Environment minister Jane Davidson said the current voluntary agreement for a 50% reduction by May was “a good target” but lamented it did not cover all retailers and “still left 50%”.

“I recognise we need to give the retailers a chance to demonstrate what they can do voluntarily, but I am willing to use all the powers at our disposal,” she added.

Davidson pointed to the Irish carrier-bag levy for its success in reducing the number of plastic bags given out in the Republic.

Pro-plastic bag campaigners have long emphasised, however, the increase in use of alternative higher-grade plastic bin liners resulting from the levy.

Some 490m bags are used in Wales each year, according to the Assembly Government.

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