Minimum charge for carrier bags in Scotland introduced

[annie]

A mandatory carrier bag charge has been introduced in Scotland for the first time.

Shoppers will now have to pay a minimum of 5p per bag, with many retailers donating proceeds to good causes.

In May, MSPs voted to bring in the new regulations in a bid to tackle Scotland's litter problem, but the fee does not just apply to plastic bags.

It has also been imposed on single-use carriers made from eco-friendly materials.

The minimum charge applies to all retailers, not just supermarkets.

Wales became the first part of the UK to introduce a minimum charge for single-use carrier bags in 2011, followed by Northern Ireland last year.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-29677458

I wonder why England is dragging it's feet with this one?

[chenrezig]

Marks n Spencers in Norwich charges 5p a bag, so does the Co-op over the road, and I think W H Smiths charges 1p a bag. They are still free at Tesco, Iceland, and Poundland at the moment..

[annie]

Aldi and Lidl have charged for years, but Asda Morrisons Sainsburys &Boothsgive them out on demand. Tesco staff annoy me they automatically dole them out, presuming you don't have your own bags, don't know about Waitrose we don't have in our area.

[pamella]

i was in Primark and a lady had bought knickers and the lady at the cash desk  as would she like a bag  dont think the lady would have like to walk around with them in her hand

[coffee]

Hi some local shops by me charge for bags  and  some 10p  as well as some of shops already mentioned.
  Maybe Annie  you think in England  dragging  its feet on this one because at the mo its not compulsory for all shops to charge for carrier bags but it wont be long coming by the way things are going coffeex

[annie]

yes coffee, that is what I meant. I had to laugh at the Primark one, bras would be even more embarrassing!!!!

[maureenho]

I can understand why we need to reuse bags in supermarkets (I always take my own) but for clothing you really need a bag of sorts supplied.

[annie]

I agree, Mo, I wouldn't like to put new clothing, particularly underwear in a used bag

[Honey]

simple solution,
stores can just add a few pence on  to the selling price of the item and supply an eco friendly carrier bag free of charge
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