Plastic bag charge has raised £29 million for charities The plastic bag levy has raised £29 million for charities across the UK since its inception, with £10 million of that coming from retailers according to a new report. Since the charge was introduced in October 2015, plastic bag use across the country has fallen by 6 billion, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Klara Kozlov, head of corporate clients at the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) which released the figues, commented:  “Not only has the introduction of the plastic bag levy benefitted the environment, but it has had a huge positive impact for charities.

“By working with CAF, using CAF company account charitable accounts and creating new strategic partnerships, retailers have maximised the opportunity to support national as well as local organisations.
“We hope they will continue to work together to develop these worthwhile relationships which benefit so many good causes."