New 5p charge for carrier bags introduced

Updated
5p charge for carrier bags introduced today England
5p charge for carrier bags introduced today England



As of 5 October there will be a 5p charge introduced on 'single-use carrier bags' in England. A similar charge is already in place in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It is hoped that the introduction of the charge will reduce litter and waste. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), supermarkets handed over more than 8 billion carrier bags in the UK in 2013, and it's in everyone's interests to see that number fall.


DEFRA reported that the damage caused by these carrier bags isn't just limited to injuring marine wildlife and adding unnecessary waste to mountains of landfill, they also require enormous resources for their manufacture, which takes its toll on the environment.

When the changes are implemented, England will be joining Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where you already have to pay for single-use carrier bags. The regulations have already had a positive effect in these areas, and since the 5p charge was introduced in Scotland last October, the number of single-use carrier bags has fallen by 149 million, or 80%.

5p charge for carrier bags begins on 5 October in England
5p charge for carrier bags begins on 5 October in England



What are the rules and regulations?

Government policy states that small and medium-sized businesses will be exempt from the new 5p charges. This has been done in an effort to minimise the burden on new and growing businesses.

There are other specifications included in the new policy. For example, employers with fewer than 250 full-time employees will not have to implement the charges. However, online shopping deliveries will not be exempt from the new policy.


The regulations suggest outlets offer 'bagless deliveries' as an option, as the 5p charge will have to be used for any carrier bags involved in the delivery.

Sainsbury's have clarified how they will be offering bagless delivery, although it appears this will be something customers need to manually opt out of as it states: "This is a compulsory fee that will be automatically added to your basket for deliveries on or after 5 October 2015, should you choose to receive your groceries in plastic bags."

Find out about the 5p charge for carrier bags in England at: http://t.co/bsvA6m9Sc4https://t.co/Jxo5tIPfKm

— Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) September 19, 2015


There are a number of products that, when bagged, will not incur the charges these include, uncooked fish and meat, prescription medicine and live aquatic creatures in water among others.

A full guide to the new regulations are available on the DEFRA website.

New 5p charge for carrier bags introduced across England
New 5p charge for carrier bags introduced across England



Where do the proceeds go?

After costs have been deducted, it's expected that retailers will donate the proceeds of the sale of carrier bags to good causes. We've taken a look at what some of Britain's biggest supermarkets have said they will be doing with the money raised.

Tesco
On their official website Tesco has made clear that the proceeds it receives from carrier bag sales will go towards good causes, as set out by DEFRA. Tesco stores in Wales have been donating their net proceeds to RSPB Cymru which helps to protect wildlife areas of the Welsh countryside.

Morrisons
Morrisons has stated that it will use the proceeds of plastic bag sales to support the Morrisons Foundation. The Foundation supports a number of causes around the UK and charity members can apply for grants on the supermarket's website.

Sainsbury's
Currently in Scotland and Wales Sainbury's offers the proceeds of the carrier bag levy to charities and community groups in grants of up to £500. If money still remains at the end of the year, then it is distributed to Sainsbury's stores' Local Charity partners.

New 5p charge for carrier bags introduced in England
New 5p charge for carrier bags introduced in England



How can you avoid the charge?

Most supermarkets have offered 'bags for life' for years now and these are the perfect alternative to having to hand over 5p for every bag you use and it benefits the environment.

These reusable shopping bags are often found by the tills in supermarkets and cost anywhere between 50p and £1.50, and plenty of stores also have freezer bags available too. Some stores, such as Tesco, bring out limited edition bags for life which have been produced by designers such as Orla Kiely. Often these limited edition bags cost a little extra.

Another benefit to investing in a bag for life is that when the handles break, holes appear or general wear and tear gets the best of them the supermarkets are usually willing to replace them with new ones, free of charge.

Shops such as Paperchase and Happy Bags offer a number of fun, re-usable shopping bag alternatives.



More on AOL Money:

5p plastic bag tax makes cashiers tax experts

We're using more carrier bags - despite having dozens at home​

England needs a shopping bag tax with a difference​

5p Charge For Plastic Carrier Bags
5p Charge For Plastic Carrier Bags

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