Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister
has announced a temporary
change to carrier bag regulations in a bid to stem the spread of
Covid-19.
With immediate effect, carrier bags used by retailers to deliver
groceries directly via home delivery services will be free of
charge. The amendment to the Carrier Bag legislation will be in
effect for a six-month period in the midst of the unprecedented
challenges faced by us all at present.
Minster Poots said: “I am pleased to announce this
temporary measure to the carrier bag levy regulations and will
form part of our ongoing fight against the spread of
Covid-19.
“Since its inception almost seven years ago, the
multi-million pounds proceeds of the Carrier Bag Levy have been
used to support the environment across Northern Ireland.
And, today’s announcement is another way in which the amended law
can be applied to aid us all.”
The decision to amend the carrier bag legislation has been taken
in line with public health guidance and is aimed at the reduction
of face-to-face contact between delivery drivers and members of
the public who have ordered groceries online.
By providing bags free of charge, the necessity for drivers to
enter people’s homes and unpack delivery crates will stop.
Instead, bags of groceries will be left outside and so the need
to have direct contact with customers will become redundant.
In this way all concerned can adhere to the official government
guidance on social distancing. Another benefit of the move will
be that it will speed up delivery services making life a little
easier for everyone at the moment.
Minister Poots concluded: “This temporary measure is
for home delivery only and the Carrier Bag Levy will continue to
be applied to all other bags used.
“I would also ask any retailers when making returns to make
use of online opportunities to help reduce the associated
risks.”
Notes to editors:
- The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge Regulations (Northern
Ireland) 2013 came into operation on 8 April 2013 and refer to
bags of ANY material (not solely plastic) used for the purpose of
enabling goods to be taken away or delivered from a place where
goods are sold.
- In schedule 1 of the Regulations, carrier bags which are
exempt are listed and this amendment will now be an additional
exemption on a temporary basis.
