5p charge sees demand for plastic bags tumble

The uptake of carrier bags has plunged by more than 80 per cent
The uptake of carrier bags has plunged by more than 80 per cent
JON ENOCH/THE TIMES

The plastic bag tax has radically changed Scots shoppers’ habits since it was introduced a month ago, with supermarkets reporting that the uptake of carrier bags has plunged by more than 80 per cent.

The Times can reveal that stores are reporting a “significant decrease” in the number of single-use carrier bags since the 5p charge was enforced. Customers are opting for bags for life instead.

Environmental groups and politicians last night commended the success of the scheme, which aims to redress Scotland’s “throwaway culture”, and urged the rest of the UK to follow suit.

Asda, which is the second largest supermarket in Scotland, with 59 stores and two depots serving more than 1.8 million customers, told The Times that carrier bag usage in their