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Irish Plastic Bag Tax Hailed As A Success

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

22 August 2002

The imposition of an environmental tax on plastic bags in order to curb littering in Ireland has been a great success, according to Environment Minister, Martin Cullen.

Mr Cullen revealed this week that since the government began levying a 15 cent per bag tax earlier this year, shoppers in Ireland have cut their use of plastic shopping bags back by an amazing 90%.

'The levy has been an astounding success in achieving what it set out to do. Over one billion plastic bags will be removed from circulationwhile raising funding for future environmentally friendly initiatives,' the Environment Minister explained, adding that:

'It is clear that the levy has not only changed consumer behaviour in relation to disposable plastic bags, it has also raised national consciousness about the role each one of us can, and must play if we are to tackle collectively the problems of litter and waste management.'

The scheme has brought in some 3.5 million euros since it was introduced, and if the current trend continues, it has been estimated that the 'plastax' could raise an exra 10 million euros to be spent on environmental issues over a full year.

This, coupled with the undisputed cosmetic benefits, has meant that several countries have been keeping a close eye on the progress of the Irish initiative. According to reports, Taiwan, Singapore, South Africa and the UK are all considering launching similar initiatives, whilst Bangladesh has banned the use of polythene bags altogether.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/2205419.stm http://www.bday.co.za/bday/content/direct/1,3523,1156467-6078-0,00.html

 

 






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