Scotland's Bag Charge a decade on

A decade on from the introduction of The Single-use carrier bags charge (Scotland) Regulations 2014 we recognise the positive impact the charge has raising the profile of our single-use consumption habits and encouraging bag re-use in Scotland. 

But, we are calling for the right lessons to be learned ahead of future charges being added to other single-use items, and highlighting that our data shows single-use bags are still unfortunately found as litter.  We know we have more to do.

Our unpublished public perception polling from 2024 highlights that more than 70% of people still occasionally, somewhat often or very often see plastic carrier bags as litter in their local area.  And citizen science data collected as part of our Upstream Battle® campaign in 2023/24 highlighted that plastic bags were the ninth most common item found nationally, and in the top ten in every area surveyed except the Clyde Valley.

Barry Fisher, our CEO commented, “There is no doubt that the introduction of a charge on single-use bags, had a positive impact.  We’ve seen significant shifts in customer habits at supermarkets, and a reduction of littered bags in some locations was recorded after the first year.  Additionally, the charge collected has, in many cases, been put to great use supporting environmental action. 

“However, if 71% of people still occasionally, somewhat often or very often see plastic carrier bags as litter in their local area, as our surveys report, then we need to ask ourselves why.

“We had concerns about reporting, evaluation of impact and whether money being collected would make it to environmental good causes, and those concerns are still with us today.

“Initially the charge raised awareness of the issue of single-use consumption and promoted individual responsibility, but we need to continue to reinforce the messages and reasons for a charge – because it has become wallpaper to our consumption habits.  Many have stopped considering why the charge was introduced and ceased to question what happens to any money collected.

“As we mark a decade since the introduction of the Single Use Carrier Bag charge in Scotland we're urging consumers and retailers alike not to become complacent – for customers to question where their 10p bag charge is going, for businesses to consider donating to an environmental good cause, and for us all to make the final shift needed to #ChooseToReuse and always carry a reusable.”

Since 2014, bag charge donations have helped us inspire action and make a difference locally and nationally supporting communities to improve the environmental quality of the places they care about.  We have been lucky to have received bag charge donations from major international retailers, from small independent boutiques, and local fish & chip shops. 

Find out how you can donate your single-use bag charge to support us to keep Scotland beautiful and inspire environmental action.

Read the blog A decade on – is there still bags of opportunity from our Operations Director Paul Wallace