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Original poster

AIBU to wonder why some people still buy new carrier bags every time they visit a shop?

103 replies

Beon · 13/06/2026 17:06

It’s 10.5 years since the bag charge in England was introduced and longer in other parts of UK.

So why are some people still don’t go to the supermarket without bags? They are 40p each.

If a family buys an average 8 bags a week - supermarket, shops like Poundland. Over a year that’s at least £160 a year.

Anyone who uses brand new carrier bags for bin bags must have more money than sense. Bin bags are cheaper - per bag, bigger and ties up better.

The bag charge - kids at primary schools never lived through a time with free bags.

Its time thinking - money, phone, keys, bags

OP posts:
stupididiot12345 · 13/06/2026 21:12

This is a stealth boast

Original poster
Beon · 13/06/2026 21:10

Backedoffhackedoff · 13/06/2026 17:46

Forget them, didn’t plan to go.

my DH does always buy them- has never started the habit of bringing his own

I would give him a visualisation of how much he's wasting on buying bags. My friend did that for DH as he usually bought lunch when in the office and then some days after work, popped into B&M etc to buy energy drinks etc - buying bags.

My friend pulled him up 6 months later and gave him the sum of the bags bought. It was £75. She broke it down into you could have bought a tank of fuel or X days parking when goes to the office (there is no staff car park) etc

OP posts:
TeethAreImportant · 13/06/2026 21:09

Beon · 13/06/2026 17:06

It’s 10.5 years since the bag charge in England was introduced and longer in other parts of UK.

So why are some people still don’t go to the supermarket without bags? They are 40p each.

If a family buys an average 8 bags a week - supermarket, shops like Poundland. Over a year that’s at least £160 a year.

Anyone who uses brand new carrier bags for bin bags must have more money than sense. Bin bags are cheaper - per bag, bigger and ties up better.

The bag charge - kids at primary schools never lived through a time with free bags.

Its time thinking - money, phone, keys, bags

I hate it when I forget my bags because I've got so many reusable ones at home already, so even though its only 40p, as you say, it does add up and plus I just don't need them. But occasionally, it does happen. Is anybody really buying all new ones for every shop these days? If they are, money must not be a worry, or perhaps they are giving themselves a 5 finger discount and so aren't too bothered about the 40p charge? I do know people who say they never pay for bags, because they think shops should just provide them and so never scan them, but whether this is just bravado, who knows?

muddyford · 13/06/2026 19:39

I forget my extensive bag collection on occasion, or buy more than the couple of items I went in for. So I buy a bag. I had no idea people stood all week checking if the same people always buy new bags. Sounds a pretty dreary hobby.

FlatCatYellowMat · 13/06/2026 19:31

It is true though - in the old days, the bags ended up as rubbish bags for the small bins. I now have to buy rubbish bags for those small bins, and have a collection of 'bags for life' which are too good for bin bags, so get used for bottle return until they're filthy and I throw them away (probably only about 3 uses total). I don't think actually I'm doing better for the environment - it's just costing me more.

FlatCatYellowMat · 13/06/2026 19:28

My ex does. Because he's thoughtless and lazy.

If a family buys an average 8 bags a week - supermarket, shops like Poundland. Over a year that’s at least £160 a year.

This would be him.

Mind you, when I said I was miffed at the plastic straw ban, my sister told me I was being unreasonable because if you used 5 straws a week that was a problem - I was baffled, because I get a takeaway drink that needed a straw perhaps every other month max - but apparently she was getting one most days - so everyone's normal is different.

Mylastusernamewasbetter · 13/06/2026 19:22

I buy a carrier bag at the self checkout on purpose with the sole aim of destroying the natural world. Mwahahahahaaa

UrOutdoors · 13/06/2026 19:21

How do you know they do?

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 13/06/2026 19:20

We get our shopping delivered. I always carry a folded shopper in my handbag for bits and bobs, but if I buy an item of clothing I want a separate bag, not have it floating about with my groceries. The other week I bought a white blouse, paid for a bag which was paper, got caught in a downpour and everything was soaked - the blouse ended up green from my tote bag 😔

1vandal2 · 13/06/2026 19:15

Most people don't pay and just steal them in self scan

HalzTangz · 13/06/2026 19:12

Because we put them in the boot of the car and promptly forget they are there

ainsleysanob · 13/06/2026 19:12

Because I do, and I can!

Netcurtainnelly · 13/06/2026 19:07

Beon · 13/06/2026 17:06

It’s 10.5 years since the bag charge in England was introduced and longer in other parts of UK.

So why are some people still don’t go to the supermarket without bags? They are 40p each.

If a family buys an average 8 bags a week - supermarket, shops like Poundland. Over a year that’s at least £160 a year.

Anyone who uses brand new carrier bags for bin bags must have more money than sense. Bin bags are cheaper - per bag, bigger and ties up better.

The bag charge - kids at primary schools never lived through a time with free bags.

Its time thinking - money, phone, keys, bags

They aren't organised that's why.

XenoBitch · 13/06/2026 19:06

TropicalFishAreTwats · 13/06/2026 19:04

I have been known to go to do the main shop with bags in the boot of my car, realise as I get to the doorway of the supermarket that I have left the bags in the boot and think 'fuck it, I'll get some at the checkout '🤷‍♀️
I have also found carrier bags handy to empty the cat litter into....
TBH if I realised someone was monitoring my bag buying habits I would probably buy new every time just to blow your brain🤣

Yep, how do they know someone is buying a new bag every time? Are they stalking them?

TropicalFishAreTwats · 13/06/2026 19:04

I have been known to go to do the main shop with bags in the boot of my car, realise as I get to the doorway of the supermarket that I have left the bags in the boot and think 'fuck it, I'll get some at the checkout '🤷‍♀️
I have also found carrier bags handy to empty the cat litter into....
TBH if I realised someone was monitoring my bag buying habits I would probably buy new every time just to blow your brain🤣

ThatJadeLion · 13/06/2026 18:59

I like fresh bags every few weeks. The older bags end up as rubbish bags

Plasticdreams · 13/06/2026 18:56

Viennoiseries · 13/06/2026 17:14

I'm curious as to how you know that people are buying new bags every time they shop, to the extent you've done a sum based on that theory Confused

Yes I would like to know how op knows this

XenoBitch · 13/06/2026 18:55

Beon · 13/06/2026 18:49

I accept this reason for buying a bag as not enough bags or not big enough, such as myself buying a coat.

I went to a Co-op to collect a parcel. In front of me was a man who bought a pack of tomatoes and wanted a bag. Why do you need a bag for one item?

Show quote history

He might have gone to other shops after and used the same bag.

Sidebeforeself · 13/06/2026 18:54

Beon · 13/06/2026 18:49

I accept this reason for buying a bag as not enough bags or not big enough, such as myself buying a coat.

I went to a Co-op to collect a parcel. In front of me was a man who bought a pack of tomatoes and wanted a bag. Why do you need a bag for one item?

Show quote history

Honestly just let it go! You’ll never know his reasoning.

tiramisugelato · 13/06/2026 18:54

Beon · 13/06/2026 17:43

Why not fold a bag into each hand bag?

Because I don't use a handbag?

Original poster
Beon · 13/06/2026 18:49

igelkott2026 · 13/06/2026 17:10

Also, you might have one, but then decide to buy more things than will fit into one bag, so you have to buy another one.

I accept this reason for buying a bag as not enough bags or not big enough, such as myself buying a coat.

I went to a Co-op to collect a parcel. In front of me was a man who bought a pack of tomatoes and wanted a bag. Why do you need a bag for one item?

OP posts:
Worrieddancemum · 13/06/2026 18:44

I buy new every time. I use them to put rubbish In afterwards

XenoBitch · 13/06/2026 18:43

I have bought a new bag when I have picked up more things than I was expecting.

But anyway, does it actually affect you at all? It is a very strange thing to get worked up about.

DoAWheelie · 13/06/2026 18:41

Most of my supermarket trips are spontaneous, I'm nearby and think "oh I fancy xyz" and pop in and grab it plus whatever else I need.

I do reuse the bags I get though so they are not wasted.

Sidebeforeself · 13/06/2026 18:25

LaliqueSaltGrinder · 13/06/2026 17:09

Because they are idiots? More money than sense? I have a wee fold up one in my bag, more in the boot of the car. The only time I ever buy a bag is when I wasn't planning on shopping and only have my phone on me. About once every 6 months max.

That’s mean. Just cos you dont forget theres no need to call those of us that do idiots.

OP - this has been done a lot on here. It’s life. People are not perfect. It’s hardly a crime.