Retailers Urged To Reduce Use Of Shopping Bags In The North

The Minister met with representatives from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) in London to discuss what measures retailers can take to help reduce commercial and domestic waste, by reducing packaging and supporting the reuse and recycling of materials.

The meeting also focused on the results of the latest voluntary commitment by larger supermarkets to reduce the number of carrier bags handed out to customers.

The Minister said: "In Northern Ireland the usage of carrier bags has been cut from 19.8 million in May 2006 to 12.2 million by May 2009, a reduction in numbers of 7.6 million (38% reduction).

"This is great news for the environment and I am particularly encouraged that this cut has been achieved against a backdrop of a growing volume in supermarket sales.

"I am keen to build constructive working partnerships with our retailers so that, as well as helping to cut plastic bag numbers further, we can work together to tackle other important environmental issues such as food waste and packaging."