Reducing plastic bag use through retail charge.

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A decision made (10/03/2008) regarding:Reducing plastic bag use through retail charge.

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2008-0055
Decision Summary Title	Reducing plastic bag use through a retail charge		Date of Decision Summary:	7 March 2008
Decision Summary Author:	Chris Newton		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title	Reducing plastic bag use through a retail charge		Date of Written Report:	7 March 2008
Written Report Author:	Chris Newton		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Reducing plastic bag use through a retail charge
Decision(s): In order to reduce the number of disposable plastic carrier bags used in Jersey, the Minister has decided, in consultation with the two major supermarket operators in Jersey, that: The two operators shall both charge an initial fee of 5 pence per bag for disposable plastic carrier bags, starting on 6th May 2008. At any point in the future thereafter, each operator may increase or decrease this charge, within each operator’s sole discretion. All money raised by each operator through sales of disposable plastic carrier bags shall be gifted by each operator to charities (preferably, local environmental charities) of each operator’s choice. Starting on 6th May 2009 and on or near that date each year thereafter, each operator shall provide the Minister with an annual report that specifies: (1) the total amount (denominated in £) of disposable plastic carrier bag sales for the previous year; (2) the charity or charities that received donation(s) from the operator from the money collected from the sale of disposable plastic carrier bags; (3) the date(s) of any such donation(s); and (4) the amount(s), denominated in £, of such donations.
Reason(s) for Decision: A reduction in the use of plastic carrier bags will contribute to the overall states aims of using resources wisely, reducing waste and protecting biodiversity.
Resource Implications: No manpower or budget implications.
Action required: Director of Environment to liaise with the two major retailers to set up the reporting arrangements and to provide ongoing advice to them about the environmental causes they might choose to support.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):