Sales of plastic bags have fallen dramatically since the Government introduced a five pence charge.
England’s largest supermarkets report a drop of 90% on sales since the fee was introduced four years ago.
Latest figures reveal that Asda, Waitrose, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, The Co-op, Marks and Spencer and Tesco sold 549 million plastic bags in 2018-19.
It’s half the number of the previous year.
Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said the measure “continues to deliver results”.
She added: “No one wants to see the devastating impact plastic waste is having on our precious wildlife.
“Today’s figures are a powerful demonstration that we are collectively calling time on being a throwaway society.”
The Government is looking to raise the minimum charge for a single-use plastic bag to 10 pence.
The current five pence charge affects all retailers in the UK except England.
There the fee only applies to shops with more than 250 employees.
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