According to annual figures from waste-reduction charity WRAP, 8.3bn thin-gauge (single-use) carrier bags were used in the UK in 2013, which equates to 56,800 tonnes of waste. Of these, 7.8bn were used in England.
Scotland introduced the 5p plastic bag charge on 20 October. Wales introduced the charge on 1 October 2011, and has seen a 79% decrease in single-use plastic bag usage between 2010 and 2013.
A Defra spokesperson said: “Countries with the 5p charge have seen a dramatic fall in the number of plastic bags taken from supermarkets - that is why we are introducing a charge in England from October 2015.”
“Our approach will help us reduce plastic bag usage and the litter they cause, while also protecting small and medium-sized businesses from any regulatory burdens at a time when the Government is supporting new growth in our economy."