CASH raised by the 5p carrier-bag charge should be used to improve Glasgow's environment, according to city bosses.

Council chiefs plan to meet with retailers to encourage them to collect the money raised by the levy for single-use carrier bags and give it to environmental groups.

The 5p mandatory charge came into force in Scotland on October 20 and has resulted in a big reduction in the use of bags.

Some Scots retailers already donate the money collected from the levy to a charity of their choice.

However, the council says there is no city-wide approach and it will start discussions with the business community to urge them to support local charities and organisations.

Councillor Alistair Watson, executive member for sustainability and transport, said: "Some larger city retailers have already committed the money from the bag charge to support particular charities.

"However, we do not have a city-wide approach in Glasgow.

"We intend to go into discussions with our city business community to encourage them to allocate the bag charge monies to groups helping enhance and improve Glasgow's environment."

Mr Watson said he hoped communities across the city would benefit.

The proposals came as the city prepares to mark Glasgow's Green Year 2015 in a bid to become one of Europe's most sustainable cities.

Mr Watson said: "This money will help support charities and organisations delivering improvements to local communities across the city and also offer volunteering opportunities to local companies with environmental charities.

"This initiative is particularly appropriate as we approach 2015, when we will celebrate Glasgow's environmental credentials with Glasgow Green Year 2015. We hope to report back to committee in the coming months about the progress of our discussions."

Shoppers must pay at least 5p for each single-use carrier bag, and the charge covers all retailers including supermarkets, high street stores, corner shops and takeaways.

The charge applies regardless of whether the bags are paper, plastic or made from a biodegradable material.

It was brought in to help change Scotland's throw-away society and prevent litter.

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk