Supermarkets in Wales have experienced a plummet in plastic bag usage since a compulsory charge was introduced for them last year.

Sainsbury’s reported a 90% reduction in their use following the debut of the 5p charge while The Co-op has experienced an 86% fall according to the Daily Mail. Morrisons usage is also down 60% across Wales.

The 5p levy is set to be introduced in Northern Ireland next year, where the charge will increase to 10p in 2014. Scotland is also considering introducing a similar charge on plastic bags and it is understood that England is set to follow suit.

Last year multiple retailers in the UK gave out 6.4 billion carrier bags, an increase of 333 million year-on-year.

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