Should levy from plastic bags be given to green projects? Have your say

25 February 2010 The Welsh Government wants to legislate in order to compel retailers to direct the levy they raise on the sale of plastic bags to recognised green projects in Wales.

The Proposed (Waste) Wales Measure 2010 will also enshrine in law tough new recycling targets for Welsh local councils.

Now the National Assembly for Wales Legislation Committee No. 4 wants to hear your views on the proposed Measure.

“The Welsh Government intends to introduce a mandatory charge on plastic bags by the spring of 2011 through the Westminster Government’s Climate Change Act 2008,” said Committee Chair, Jenny Randerson AM.

“But at present it can’t spell out what the retailer should do with the money raised from that levy.

“This Measure will allow the Government to direct that money back into environmental projects.

“It is an important piece of environmental legislation and we want you to have your say.”

The Measure will also establish statutory targets for the percentage of waste that councils in Wales should recycle.

They are:

• 2012/13 – 52%

• 2015/16 – 58%

• 2019/20 – 64%

• 2024/25 – 70%

The proposed Measure will also provide Welsh Ministers with the power to establish other waste targets to be met by local authorities and to establish financial penalties which could be imposed on local authorities in the event that they fail to meet targets set under the proposed Measure.

If you wish to submit evidence please send an electronic copy of your submission to legislationoffice@wales.gsi.gov.uk and entitle the e-mail: Consultation – Proposed Waste (Wales) Measure.

Alternatively, you can write to:

Sarah Sargent, Deputy Committee Clerk, Legislation Office, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, CF99 1NA.