Drop in number of plastic bags sold in NI to 80.5m in a year

The total of 80.5 million bags was 13.9% lower than the previous year, with 13 million fewer bags dispensed, according to the Northern Ireland Carrier Bag Levy Annual Statistics report published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

The number of carrier bags dispensed is markedly lower than the baseline figure prior to the introduction of the levy, which was estimated at 300 million bags in 2012.

This means that the number of plastic bags being dispensed has reduced by 73.2% since the 5p levy was introduced.

The proceeds of the levy for 2019/20 totalled £4.4 million, a decrease of £0.2 million (4.2%) from the previous year.

The report also revealed a growth in bags being sold above the lower rate 5p levy required by legislation.

Until this latest year the majority of bags dispensed in Northern Ireland have been lower rate bags.

In 2019/20, 52% (42.2million) of bags were upper rate bags, which means that an extra charge has been added by the retailer in addition to the 5p levy.

The report observed an increase in individuals who are concerned about the environment compared to last year.

A total of 78% of respondents in the 2019/20 survey were reported to be very/fairly concerned about environmental issues, which was

slightly higher than the 75% reported to be very/fairly concerned about the environment in 2018/19.

The survey also showed that most respondents selected that they had reused plastic bags or used a reusable bag when questioned on positive environmental actions in thelast 12 months.

In the 2019/20 survey a total of 83% respondents claimed to reuse plastic bags which is lower than the 2018/19 figure of 85% but remains the highest positive environmental action taken in Northern Ireland.