Carrier Bag Carnage

Monday 5^th October saw the launch of a 5p charge on plastic bags for shoppers in England, but it hasn’t met the warmest welcome by consumers.

Customers have taken to social media to voice their dismay of the new fee, and posting strategies to receive free bags, including completing a full shop, having it rung though the tills then refusing payment unless receive free bags.  Others call for plain bags featuring no logo at all or that if they have to pay for a bag, or as an act of defiance they would turn it inside out so as not to be seen to be advertising for the store.

It’s a shame that people feel this way, as the reasoning behind the charge is a just attempt to reduce the number of bags being given out to help the environment and to avoid extra litter.  Year on year the number of bags being used is increasing according to figures collected on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). 

But it must be said that the guidelines behind new charge could cause confusion as not all stores have to impose the charge.

In case you are not already familiar with the details we’ve put some questions and answers together for you.

Where does the charge apply?

The new charge has been introduced in England from 5^th October 2015.  Only larger retailers are required to make the 5p charge.  The Government define a large retailer as employing more than 250 employees.

This means that major supermarkets and high street stores are affected, but smaller independent shops will be unaffected the change.

Can Paper Bags be used instead?

Paper bags have not been included in the Governments policy so organisations that use these will still be able to.  Perhaps some other retailers might lean towards designing paper shopping bags.

Do I need to pay for bags when buying loose items?

No, plastic bags for loose items such as fruit and vegetables are not subject to the new charges.

Other items exempt of the charge are:

·         Fresh meat and fish.

·         Take away foods.

·         Prescription medicine

·         Unwrapped blades

·         Live aquatic animals sold in water.

Who will benefit from the 5p charge?

As the charge is not a tax, the charge does not have to be passed over to the Government.  Instead, the proceeds are expected to be given to good causes.