Large stores such as local supermarkets Sainsbury’s, ADSA, Morrisons and others will have to charge 5p for each plastic carrier bag as from 5th October 2015.
The fee – already in force in Wales, where money raised goes to charity, and Scotland – is part of government policy to reduce waste.
Large retailers will charge a minimum price of 5p for most single-use plastic carrier bags. Small or medium-sized business don’t have to charge, but they are free to do so voluntarily.
Waste problems caused by plastic bags have long been a major issue.
Annually, approximately 500 billion plastic bags are used worldwide. More than one million bags are used every minute.
Plastic in the ocean breaks down into such small segments that pieces of plastic from a one litre bottle could end up on every mile of beach throughout the world.
• More details on the changes can be found at https://www.gov.uk/carrier-bag-charges-retailers-responsibilities