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 1 December 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