Image Credit: Jacqui O'Brien
Since the 5p plastic bag charge was introduced on 5th October 2015 in the UK, disposing of plastic bags has become much less of a problem for the vast majority of people; in fact many people cling onto one of these rare and precious items for dear life, using the bag until it is more confetti that container.
However if you still have a collection of bags that you want to get rid of - or need to know what to do with your bag when it is finally unusable - here are some possibilities.
It may be possible to put plastic bags in your household recycling collection, but this is pretty unusual, so check with your local council before putting any bags in your recycling bin. It is also uncommon for them to be collected at household recycling centres.
Most larger supermarkets offer plastic bag recycling, with a collection container either inside the shop or in an onsite recycling collection point if there is on.
Otherwise they have to go into your household waste for diposal, which means that they end up in landfill.
Ideally you should keep on using your plastic bags for your shopping until they are unusable, then place them in a recycling bin.
They can also be used as bin liners rather than buying new plastic bags, for using as nappy sacks and for collecting dog waste.
The more creative amongst you may be able to use your bags for some craft projects - here are some ideas.
Since the introduction of the plastic bag charge, reported plastic bag usage in the UK has been reduced by 80%, a huge success for the charge. Keep taking your own bags to the supermarket, it really is making a difference.
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