Plastic Bag Levy to increase to 22c per bag
From 1st July 2007, the plastic bag levy will be 22c per bag.
There have been enormous environmental improvements since the introduction of the plastic bag levy in 2001. Generally, our use of plastic bags has decreased and 96% of shoppers now use reusable/long life bags or cardboard boxes. Since the introduction of the 15c levy, there has been a 97% decrease of litter caused by plastic bags.
The cost of purchasing a plastic bag will be going up on Sunday 1st of July 2007 to 22c. It is important that all retailers and customers are aware of this change and adopt as necessary. Retailers have to ensure that they keep records of the plastic bags sold and pay the Revenue Commissioners the levy. Customers are asked to ensure that, if they do pay for a plastic bag, the bag is itemised on their receipt.
There are some plastic bags exempt from the levy, these are the smaller bags available at fruit and vegetable counters, and small bags used to contain fresh meat and fish. However, if these items are then placed in a larger plastic bag, the levy is payable on the larger bag.
The levy is enforced by Local Authorities and the Revenue Commissioners. These authorities carry out spot checks to ensure the levy is being charged to the customer and paid by the retailer to the Revenue Commissioners. It is important that all Retailers ensure that they comply with regulations. For more information, retailers can contact the Revenue Commissioners directly, or look up www.revenue.ie for details.
The levy is paid into the environment fund which assists in a number of community environment projects and the development of producer initiatives to prevent/reduce wastes arising from their activities. The fund has provided North Tipperary with finance for several waste education activities and recycling initiatives.
The plastic bag levy has done wonders for the visual
improvement of Ireland’s countryside. Not too long ago, bags caught in our
hedges, trees and roadsides were an embarrassment. Let us not allow things to
return to that. Support the levy and should you come across a retailer not
paying the levy, please contact North Tipperary County Council’s environment
section on 067 44786.
The Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag)
(Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2007 – S.I. No. 167 of 2007 have been made by
the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government to increase the
Environmental Levy on Plastic Bags.
The Levy will increase to 22 cent on Sunday 1 July 2007.
Retailers must carry out a stock take of certain “excepted” bags and other plastic bags in stock before the commencement of business on 1 July 2007.
An information leaflet PB1 for retailers was issued with the Revenue Commissioners June 2007 return form ELEV1.
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