Six Billion Fewer Bags Used After 5p Fee

The introduction of a 5p charge will see six billion fewer single-use plastic bags taken home this year, new figures suggest.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said more than seven billion bags were handed out by major retailers in 2014.

This figure fell to just over half a billion in the first six months after the 5p charge was introduced last October.

Retailers have also donated more than £29m towards charities and community groups as a result of the charge.

Environment Minister Therese Coffey said: "Taking six billion plastic bags out of circulation is fantastic news for all of us.

"It will mean our precious marine life is safer, our communities are cleaner and future generations won't be saddled with mountains of plastic sat taking hundreds of years to break down in landfill sites.

"The 5p charge has clearly been a huge success - not only for our environment but for good causes across the country that have benefited from an impressive £29m raised.

"It shows small actions can make the biggest difference, but we must not be complacent as there is always more we can all do to reduce waste and recycle what we use."

England was the last part of the UK to introduce the charge under a Government scheme to reduce litter and protect wildlife.

Retailers with 250 or more full-time equivalent employees have to charge a minimum of 5p for the bags they provide for shopping in stores and for deliveries, but smaller shops and paper bags are not included.

Some are calling on the Government to go further by raising the price of bags.

The National Federation of Retail Newsagents also wants to see smaller retailers bring in charges too.

Ros Finney from the Marine Conservation Society told Sky News: "Every year around eight million tonnes of plastic is dumped in oceans around the world, which is a real problem for marine life.

"Animals get entangled in plastic and if we were to cut the amount we put in the sea overall that would have a huge benefit".

Dr Sue Kinsey of the Marine Conservation Society said: "We are delighted to see that the bag charge in England is showing positive results.

"This is a significant reduction that will benefit the environment as a whole, and our sea life in particular."