How the change works
- 01 / Public decision
Cost on single-use
- 02 / Physical change
Choice to reuse
- 03 / Possible outcome
Fewer bags distributed
A visible cost on the disposable bag changes the incentive at the time of purchase and may favor reuse.
Research and local documents ↓What the evidence tells us
The study on the Irish tax introduced in 2002 documents a strong reduction in the use of the affected bags. The measure combines price, communication and application.
Putting the choices into practice
Price
The challengeSingle-use perceived as free
The responseVisible cost
Alternative
The challengeNew bag
The responseReused bag
Indicator
The challengeTax revenues
The responseAvoided materials and uses
The diagram compares choices and conditions for putting them into practice. Measured outcomes and their limits are discussed in the evidence.
Research and local documents ↓Conditions and limits
Fewer taxed bags do not equal the same reduction in all plastic waste. Replacements, bag lifespan and reuses count.
Other possible benefits
Fewer lost bags and more attention to packaging.
Research and local documents
- Local document and reported findingConvery et al., 2007 · The most popular tax in Europe? Lessons from the Irish plastic bags levy ↗
Research on the case, mechanism, or measures discussed in the sheet.
- Local project or policy documentEuropean Commission · Environmental taxation case study: Ireland ↗
Institutional documentation of the program, territory or rules mentioned.
