Jersey’s new ban on single-use bags comes into force next week in an effort to encourage a ‘bring your own bag’ culture in Jersey and support the global push to reduce carbon emissions.
From Thursday 21 July 2022, most single-use paper and plastic bags will be banned in Jersey under the new Single Use Plastics Law.
The ban applies to ‘lightweight’ and ‘very lightweight’ plastic carrier bags, as well as paper carrier bags regarded as single-use.
Under the law, traders will also need to charge at least 70p for any reusable paper and plastic bag they provide.
Founder of Waving Back, Emma Richardson-Calladine, who provided support with the development and implementation of the law, said: ‘The aim is to encourage a ‘bring your own bag’ culture in Jersey and to support the global push to reduce carbon emissions, which are associated with the production and transport of single use bags.
‘The law means traders will no longer be able to supply most of the lightweight, flimsy carrier bags. To help encourage behaviour change, reusable bags made from paper and plastic will cost customers a minimum of 70p.’
What bags are banned?
The ban applies to the following bags, whether with or without handles:
Lightweight plastic carrier bags – bags made of plastic with a wall thickness between 15 microns and 50 microns.
Very lightweight plastic bags – bags made of plastic with a wall thickness of less than 15 microns and not meeting the OK Compost Home certification, or equivalent.
Plastic bags of less than 15 microns that comply with the OK Compost Home certification, or equivalent, can still be used.
Paper carrier bags – Bags made of paper to a weight between 50 grams per square meter (gsm) and 170 gsm.
What bags require a charge?
The following bags (with or without handles) will be charged at a minimum of 70p, with traders using the profits as they see fit:
Plastic reusable bags – carrier bags made of recyclable plastic, with a wall thickness of 50 microns or above.
Paper reusable bags – carrier bags made of recyclable paper to a weight of 170 gsm or above.
What happens if you fail to comply?
Regulation Standards Manager, Robert Timoney, said Government had been speaking to local retailers and restaurants over many months to ensure they are well-prepared for the changes and aware of any exemptions.
If a trader has non-compliant single-use bags in stock, they can continue using these until 20 January 2023 but they may be asked to prove that the bags were delivered before the 21 July 2022.
Traders failing to comply with the new law may be fined up to £1,000.
You can find out more information about bag specifications and exemptions on www.gov.je/singleuseplastics
