Boost for charities from plastic bag charge

Charging shoppers for plastic bags has generated over $145,000 for local charities and seen a dramatic drop in their use, The Warehouse says.

The retailer introduced a 10c charge on bags in April, with the goal of taking 20 million bags out of circulation within a year.

Warehouse chief executive Ian Morrice said the scheme had already been successful, with plastic bag use dropping 84 per cent over July-September.

The company's 86 stores have donated proceeds from the scheme to local charities of their choice and will continue to contribute for a year, he said.

"We see this as a great opportunity for them to support their chosen local charities and further connect with their community at large."

Almost 80 per cent of 600 shoppers surveyed were happy with the scheme, Mr Morrice said.

New World and Four Square supermarkets introduced a 5c charge for plastic bags in August, but dropped the scheme a month later after a customer backlash.

- NZPA