Northern Ireland Carrier Bag Levy Annual Statistics 2024/25 released
Date published:
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published the Northern Ireland carrier bag levy annual statistics for 2024/25.
This statistical report is updated annually and the published statistics relate to the carrier bag levy that commenced on 8 April 2013. The figures relate to the number of bags dispensed by retailers in Northern Ireland between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 as notified to the Department by 30 June 2025.
The key points are:
- From 1 April 2022, the Carrier Bags Charge Regulations were extended so that the levy is 25 pence and applies to all new carrier bags with a retail price of five pounds or less.
- During the twelfth year of operation, 59.2 million carrier bags were dispensed by retailers under the carrier bag levy in Northern Ireland.
- The number of carrier bags dispensed in 2024/25 was lower than 2023/24 when 59.7 million bags were dispensed.
- The number of lower rate bags dispensed in 2024/25 (costing only the 25 pence) was 18.7 million, 11.8% lower than 2023/24. The number of upper rate bags dispensed (those costing more than the 25 pence levy and up to five pounds) was 40.4 million, 5.1% higher than 2023/24.
- In 2024/25, 32% of the bags dispensed were lower rate compared to 68% of higher rate bags.
- The proceeds of the levy for 2024/25 totalled Pound 13.8 million.
