Plastic bag charge cuts use 80% in Scotland

First year of Scotland's 5p bag charge sees huge reduction in use and 6.7m raised for good causes in bid to cut waste and litter

The number of plastic carrier bags handed out in stores was slashed by at least 650 million in the first year of Scotland's 5p charge.

New figures released on the anniversary of its introduction indicate the levy has cut usage by around 80%, equivalent to 650 million fewer bags than in previous years.