Policy paper

Carrier bags: why there's a charge

Information about the charge for single-use carrier bags in England.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 17 July 2015
• Last updated: 21 May 2021
  Show all updates

  1. 21 May 2021

     Updated to show information about the 10p charge for single-use carrier bags from 21 May 2021.

  2. 19 March 2020

     Updated to reflect the temporary suspension of charging for bags on online deliveries from 21 March 2020.

  3. 11 January 2018

     We've updated our plans in relation to small retailers, following 'A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment' .

  4. 31 July 2017

     We have added more information about the results of the scheme, and the money that's been given to good causes.

  5. 21 July 2017

     Added a link to the summary of data in England for 2016 to 2017 under the 'Results from the scheme' heading.

  6. 30 July 2016

     Added information about summary of data for first 6 months of the charge.

  7. 17 December 2015

     Added link to biodegradable bags review report.

  8. 3 November 2015

     Regular editorial review and update.

  9. 9 October 2015

     Updated the title to help search engines.

  10. 9 October 2015

      Editorial review.

  11. 8 October 2015

      Updated now that shops have started charging for bags.

  12. 18 September 2015

      Editorial review to make some bits clearer and simpler.

  13. 29 July 2015

      Updated to include 2014 carrier bag usage statistics.

  14. 24 July 2015

      Added short video for consumers and others explaining the 5p charge for single-use plastic carrier bags.

  15. 24 July 2015

      Added our short video for consumers and others explaining the 5p charge for single-use plastic carrier bags.

  16. 17 July 2015

      First published.

Documents

Carrier bags: why there's a charge

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Information for consumers and others about the carrier bag charge introduced in England on 5 October 2015.