Alderney set to ban single-use plastic bags from next year

Single-use plastic bags are set to be banned in Alderney from next year.

It follows the island's commitment to the Blue Islands Charter to protect the environment and marine life.

Representatives from across the Channel Islands signed the Blue Charter at the Wilder Islands Conservation conference in Alderney in October last year.

• 'Blue Charter' aims to help Islands go green

The motion is to be brought before the States of Alderney as the island takes a step closer in banning the sale and distribution of plastic carrier bags.

• Calls for plastic bag ban in Jersey

A Working Group has been undertaking a number of initiatives in order to remove as much plastic from the island's supply chain as reasonably possible, with the objective of becoming "a plastic-free island" without the need for legislative changes.

• Alderney Chamber of Commerce

• Alderney Wildlife Trust

• States Member Annie Burgess

• States Works and Economic Development

Following voluntary support, the Working Group says it now feels the next step is to introduce an island-wide ban.

This mirrors similar EU changes including the French Government ban on the sale of plastic plates and cups, cotton buds and still water bottles.

The group has also expressed concern at the lack of a covered recycling area resulting in high levels of waste being unintentionally scattered around the island in high winds.