20 January 2023
Traders in Jersey are being reminded that the ‘using up’ period for non-compliant plastic and paper
bags ends on 21 January 2023.
On 21 July 2022, the Single Use Plastics Law was introduced, meaning Islanders could no longer
receive single use carrier bags with their purchases.
Under the law, shops, restaurants, events and all
traders are also required to charge at least 70 pence for any reusable bags that they issue. The aim
is to encourage people to use bags over and over again, supporting the global reduction in carbon
emissions associated with production, transportation and disposal of bags.
A six month ‘using up’ period was, however, allowed for traders to get through any non-compliant
bags they may already have had in stock at the time. That six-month period ends on 21 January 2023.
If a trader has stocks remaining of non-compliant bags after 21 January 2023, they have the option
of donating them to a local charity, or to dispose of them.
For guidance on disposing of non-compliant bags, contact Senior Operations Manager for Recycling, Piers Tharme on
p.tharme2@gov.je
Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Tom Binet, said: “Since the law came into effect last summer,
everyone seems to have responded very positively, with the vast majority now using reusable bags
to do their shopping. There certainly has been a period of culture change which will be established
for the long-term from this weekend.
“We were very aware back in the summer that some traders would have large stocks of non-compliant bags, and we didn’t want them to end up going straight to the incinerator as this would
have contradicted the objectives of the new law. It was for that reason that a ‘using up’ phase was
permitted, but this is now coming to an end.
"Traders of all kinds have had the entirety of this period
to change their arrangements to ensure compliance, so everything should run smoothly from here
on.”
Robert Timoney, Regulation Standards Manager, added: “In the main, traders have been
compliant with the new rules, and it has been particularly pleasing to see the support from traders,
displaying the prominent green posters in shops and restaurants around the Island, reminding
people of the law.
“Any traders still unsure about whether their bags comply with the regulations can get in touch with
us on singleuseplastics@gov.je or call 01534 448160 and our team will be happily to clarify the rules
around bag thicknesses, materials and usage.”
Traders found not to be complying with the Single Use Plastics Law can be fined up to £1,000. For
more information and details of compliant and non-compliant bags visit gov.je/singleuseplastics.
gov.je