Is it just me or is charging 50p for a paper bag at M&S food outrageous?

[sequin2000]

I know I should have brought a bag and I usually do. If the option was a plastic bag I would have struggled with the shopping in my arms to the car, but I thought as it was paper it wasn't so bad. What I didn't expect was to be charged 50p. M&S say the bag can be used 100 times. Is there anyone out there who has reused an M&S paper bag? AIBU in thinking most people don't realise they cost 50p, that the assistants should make this clear and that M&S are profiting from this government policy?

YANBU

My dh has a similar bag, from Morrisons, and has reused it a number of times already, and it still looks like new, @sequin2000.

I agree with you. The surcharge was because it isn’t recyclable and to minimise use of single use plastics not because you could use it again - paper is recyclable so ought to be free!

Agreed. I wouldn't be impressed at that cost either but unfortunately it seems like many shops are now charging for paper bags including Morrisons and Primark, I think it's just become a way to increase more profit rather than help the environment.

I’m fairness, they’re top quality paper bags. That said, it’s very hard to carry more than one in one hand.

This 100%

I’ve got an M&S paper bag and have reused it dozens of times .

It’s scandalous. I think Morrisons charge 60p for theirs!

They do reuse really well and I like buying one occasionally but maybe that makes me a twat 🤣

No. Bring your own bag. Problem solved. It’s annoyed you as it’s expensive so the deterrent worked.

Why do they charge for paper bags?? The whole point was to charge for plastic bags to reduce plastic.

Because they want to encourage people to reuse bags rather than picking up a new one every shopping trip.

Just spent the weekend in the ROI where all paper bags are free and have been for years. Here in NI when they brought in a charge for a plastic bag they also included paper bags which as people say are recyclable. Though some shops don't charge.

The paper ones are really unpleasant to carry and don't fold down to go in a handbag for reuse half as well as plastic bags do. I'd do without rather than take a paper bag, unless I couldn't carry the shopping without.

My plastic bags for life have been used hundreds of times - I've actually had a couple replaced when they wore out. Plastic isn't always worse.

YANBU, 50p for a recyclable bag is taking the mick. And it’s absolutely ridiculous that in the UK, a very rainy country, so many shops, M&S and H&M among them, only offer paper bags. No more durable materials on offer, come what may.

Fine when it’s not raining. Absolutely useless when it is. As it often is. It’s the UK, after all. We’re known for it. Rain isn’t a surprise.

I don’t want my groceries careering across the pavement because the bag got wet in the rain and broke, and neither do I want new clothes wet before I even get to wear them.

We don’t live in Abu Dhabi. We have a very wet climate. Engage brain and sort it out.

Boots and Primark bags fall apart before you even leave the shop.

Deliveroo etc from supermarkets annoy me because they charge significantly more for the products and then charge extra per carrier bag but out one item in each bag and tie them in such a way that you cant reuse.

Paper bags are just as bad for the environment as plastic.

It's a deterrent. It needs to hurt a bit otherwise there is no point.

It’s pricey but is it not the point that the price is meant to deter you from buying one as it is unnecessary waste and that is bad for the environment. Even if it can be recycled the carbon emissions from that and its production are far from negligible.

But things like the plastic bags in Sainsbury's are absolutely useless and are unlikely to usable after one use.

YABU - this is the price you pay for use of resources

Or you could just take your own bags with you. Problem solved.

Paper production and recycling is incredibly energy intensive so shouldn't be a 'free' option.

Reuse your bags, take an empty box off a shelf to use or pay the price, but the price is there to deter people from not bothering to reuse their bags and thinking that by recycling, they're doing enough when they're not.

So why not take the basket or trolley to the boot of your car and then return it?

Bag maintenance (remembering to always have one) is such a fricking chore!

It's nothing to do with the plastic bag tax, the hint is in the name! They charge because even paper bags cost money to produce, print and ship so someone has to pay and the companies don't want to give away anything for free anymore.

This is a topic that really irritates me. I'm with @B1anche - the carrier bag charge has been going for 10 years. I don't get why people still haven't got the idea of bringing their own bags . I work in a shop that does give out free bags (which I don't agree with). I pack goods in the most suitable size bag and loads of customers ask for a larger one/ extra bags because they begrudge paying for bags in other retailers and refuse to bring their own so they want us to supply bags for all their shopping!