5p Bag Success

The number of plastic bags on UK beaches has dropped by almost 50% due to 5p plastic bag charge.

18:58 23 November 2016

The number of plastic carrier bags found on UK beaches has dropped by almost 50per cent, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has confirmed. It said that it was due to the introduction of a 5p charge on single-use plastic bag. 

 

According to the charity’s Great British Beach Clean report, there were only seven bags per 100 metres of coastline cleaned, a 40per cent drop from last year and is the lowest number in 10 years.  

 

MCS beach watch manager Lauren Eyles said: "We've seen a significant drop in the number and that can only be as a result of the 5p charge which is now in place in all the home nations," said 

 

"It vindicates the charge, which we predicted would be good news for the marine environment.

 

"Thanks to our thousands of fantastic volunteers who collect beach litter data, we can now see the impact these charges have had."

 

Meanwhile, Environment minister Therese Coffey said that the introduction of the 5p plastic bag charge had raised £29milllion for charitable organisations and good causes.

 

He said: “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."