Policy documentation

Plastic Bag Policy

Early DoSAC environmental policy proposal exploring mandatory plastic bag carrying as part of waste reduction strategy. Developed during ministerial car journey brainstorming session.

Published 12 October 2025

Applies to: England and Wales

Key Features

  • •Mandatory plastic bag carrying
  • •Universal bag distribution
  • •Environmental impact assessment
  • •Improvised during policy crisis meeting

Implementation Outcome

Final Policy:

Single-Use Carrier Bag Charge Regulations

Description:

The department's preliminary environmental impact assessment led to the implementation of carrier bag charging regulations in October 2015, subsequently enhanced to 10p minimum in 2021.

Impact:

Achieved 98% reduction in single-use bag distribution across major retail partners

This department's foundational policy development work established the framework for successful plastic reduction initiatives

Policy Information

Minister Responsible:

Hugh Abbot

Policy Type:

environmental

Status:

active

Documentation

Reference ID: PLASTIC-BAGS

Mentions: 1 references

Implementation Year: 2015

What if everybody had to carry a plastic bag.

"What if everybody had to carry a plastic bag."

This policy document is published under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. For enquiries regarding this policy, contact policy.unit@dosac.gov.uk

Classification: OFFICIAL | Document Reference: POL-PLASTIC-BAGS-2024