Shopkeepers and consumers in Hyndburn have been reminded about compulsory charging for disposable carrier bags, which comes into force this autumn.

The Single Use Carrier Bags Charges (England) Order 2015 means that, from October 5, larger retailers must charge shoppers at least 5p for each disposable plastic carrier bag they provide.

The charge is just one of the environmental measures being introduced under the Climate Change Act 2008 and is aimed at reducing the 7 billion plastic bags we throw away each year. Similar legislation introduced in Wales, in 2011, led to a 79 per cent reduction in the number of carrier bags being treated as waste.

Lancashire County Council’s Trading Standards Service will enforce the changes, which apply to shops and delivery companies with premises in the county.

The charges do not just apply to big supermarkets but will affect any retailer with 250 or more full-time-equivalent employees.

The charge affects lightweight disposable carrier bags and also applies to more durable “bags for life”, although replacements for re-usable bags can still be provided.

What do you think of the charges? Email our letters page on accringtonobserver@menmedia.co.uk or leave a comment on our Facebook page.