Charging shoppers at least 5p for single-use carrier bags took a step closer yesterday as MSPs backed “landmark” legislation.
The Scottish Parliament’s rural affairs, climate change and environment committee approved draft regulations after hearing from Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead.
Afterward Mr Lochhead said: “This is landmark legislation that sends a clear message that Scotland is serious about tackling litter, reducing waste and creating a cleaner environment.
“Single use bags are a symbol of our throwaway society, with around 750million given out by supermarkets every year in Scotland alone – that’s 12 bags per person for each month of the year and more per head of population than anywhere else across these islands.”
Mr Lochhead stressed the charge of at least 5p per bag was not a tax but would see retailers donating the proceeds to charity, potentially raising millions of pounds for good causes.
Committee chairman Rob Gibson, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: “This move to reduce single use carrier bags in Scotland has widespread support and is an excellent way to influence better environmental behaviour across our communities.
“These measures set out national standards and encourage local supermarkets to support good causes with the 5p charge being levied on single-use carrier bags from October 2014.
“An 80% reduction in carrier bag use could raise around £5million per year for good causes – with obvious environmental benefits.”
Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch said: “I’m delighted to support these proposed new regulations. The bag levy will be a big step towards a reduced litter problem.
“It will also reduce our use of unsustainable materials and – in the process – make a difference to the many charities that will benefit from the proceeds.”