The Plastic Bag Levy

From its introduction on 4th March 2002 the plastic bag levy had an immediate effect on consumer behaviour- with plastic bag per capita usage decreasing overnight from an estimated 328 bags to 21.

Our environment has also benefited-with a decrease in excess of 95% in plastic bag litter.

Income from the levy has been increasing in the recent past and estimates provided by the Central Statistics Office indicate that plastic bag usage rose to 30 bags per capita during the course of 2006.

It is vital that the levy's positive effect on the environment is maintained and to achieve a further reduction in plastic bag usage, the levy will be increased to the maximum of 22 cent.

How the Levy Works

• Members of the public who purchase items other than fresh fruit, vegetables, meat etc and who wish to avail of the plastic bag to carry their purchases must pay a  levy in order to receive a plastic bag from the retailer.
• Retailers who charge the  levy to their customers must itemise the  levies on the till receipts they give their customers. Retailers must carry out a stock take of certain "excepted" bags and other plastic bags in stock before the commencement of business on 1 July 2007.
• There are no forms involved.

Enforcing the Levy

Waterford County Council enforces the Plastic Bag levy under the terms of the Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) (Amendment)(No.2)Regulations 2007.

Retailers who are found to be in breach of these Regulations or who do not pay the levy to the Revenue Commissioners will be pursued in the same way as for non-payment of taxes, for example, enforcement, civil proceedings for recovery through the courts and attachment of third parties.

Complaints

Complaints are usually received directly from the public or via the Department of the Environment and Local Government.

When a complaint is received the Council's Inspector visits the offending retailer and advises them of the levy and the requirements imposed by the regulations on retailers.

The retailer is given a verbal warning to adhere to the regulations and informed that the inspector will revisit the premises to see that the regulations are being adhered to.  The retailer is informed that the council will consider prosecution under the terms of the Plastic Bag Regulations if they are found to be in breach of the regulations following the second visit.

Waterford County Council carries out random inspections of  retailers to ensure that the Waste Management (Environmental Levy)(Plastic Bag)(Amendment)(No.2)Regulations 2007 are being adhered to.

If you have any queries regarding the plastic bag levy please contact Elaine Hickey Environmental Enforcement - 052 - 21116