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Plastic Bags

Introduction
 Current Levy
Legislation
Biodegradable Bags
"Levy Free Bags"
 Alternatives to Disposable Plastic Bags
Monitoring of Plastic Bag Litter


Introduction


The plastic bag levy was first introduced on 4th March 2002 at the rate of 15 cent per bag. Its primary purpose is to reduce the consumption of disposable plastic bags by influencing consumer behaviour.  All levies are remitted into the Environment Fund

It had an immediate effect on consumer behaviour with a decrease in plastic bag usage from an estimated 328 bags per capita to 21 bags per capita overnight.


Current Levy


The current levy of 22 cent was introduced on 1 July, 2007. It was increased as the bags per capita had increased to 31 during 2006. The aim of the increase is to reduce the plastic bag per capita usage to 21 or lower.


Legislation


• Plastic Bag (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations (S.I. 167 of 2007) (pdf, 167kb) , amending SI No. 605 of 2001

• Plastic Bag Regulations (S.I. No. 605 of 2001) (external link)

 

Biodegradable Bags


The levy on plastic shopping bags has a strong anti-litter emphasis. The Regulations do not distinguish between biodegradable plastic bags and other plastic bags. Biodegradable bags still take a considerable time to degrade. While their use may be preferable in a final treatment situation, such bags will continue to form a visible nuisance where discarded as litter.



Levy Free Bags


The Department does not endorse any bags as being "levy free".

Bags not exceeding 225mm in width (exclusive of any gussets), by 345mm in depth (inclusive of any gussets), by 450mm in length, (inclusive of any handles) have been marketed as “Levy Free Bags”. The regulations, however, do not provide for “Levy Free Bags”. The Plastic Bag Levy applies on all plastic bags, even if marketed as “Levy Free Bags”, when used in circumstances not exempted by the regulations.


Alternatives to Disposable Plastic Bags


Alternatives to disposable plastic shopping bags, such as reusable bags are now available in shops. The consumer has changed to using these alternatives. In the grocery sector, disposable plastic bags have largely been replaced by reusable shopping bags.

Plastic shopping bags designed for re-use are exempt from the levy provided the retailer charges at least 70 cent for the bag


Monitoring of Plastic Bag Litter


Figures for plastic bags as a percentage of litter pollution nationally are included in the annual National Litter Monitoring Statistics (external link). Further information on this monitoring system is available on our website at the link below.

National Litter Monitoring System

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