As you may have heard, the government is introducing a new law that requires retailers in England to charge a minimum of 5p for single use carrier bags as of Monday 5th October.
Which shops will chardge for bags
Large businesses will need to charge for single-use plastic carrier bags. This applies to retailers who have 250 or more employees. Smaller businesses can also charge on a voluntary basis if they wish.
Bags for life
As a shopper, you can avoid being charged by bringing your own bags or containers. In some shops, you will be able to buy thicker, reusable ‘bags for life’. Typically, you pay for these once, and can return them for a free replacement when they wear out.
When you won’t be charged for a bag
There are some cases where you won’t be charged for a bag:
- paper bags
- shops in airports, or on board trains, aeroplanes or ships
- bags only containing certain items, such as unwrapped food, raw meat and fish where there is a food safety risk, prescription medicines, uncovered blades, seeds, bulbs and flowers, or live fish
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