reusable bags in supermarkets

Years ago we embraced the idea carrier bags were not needed every time we shopped, and we invested in 4 big plastic boxes that sainsburys were promoting as the best way to shop, they provide the trolleys and we provide the boxes and all has worked well as far as we were aware for years.

Went to our local supermarket last Friday and no trolleys for the boxes to be found. Complained to the store and they said facility was being removed, complained to head office and they said company policy is to no longer provide trolleys as they were not very popular since they stopped selling the boxes.

Well I feel a bit conned we paid for the boxes - yes we have had good use out of them but now I have 4 rigid plastic boxes that can no longer be used for the purpose I purchased them.

Really do they want us to use carrier bags ?


Can't help thinking if they still sold the boxes people would use them more so they have deliberately made them unpopular.

Re: reusable bags in supermarkets

Always take me own bags when shopping - I've seen the damage the plastic ones can do - they should have stayed with the paper ones we used to have .....

Re: reusable bags in supermarkets

I never understood why the paper ones were replaced with plastic bags - I much preferred the brown paper sacks.

As Julie says: it's almost like they want you to buy the once-free plastic bags

Re: reusable bags in supermarkets

I think the paper became more expensive than the plastic, which is why the change came about.

Yes, it's a nuisance when you buy things and then they are rendered worthless, I've had that with other items.

Re: reusable bags in supermarkets

I don't know about the UK but here, there are recycling bins at the doors of supermarkets for plastic bags; couldn't they have ones for damaged paper bags that could be recycled and remade?

Re: reusable bags in supermarkets

Paper ones used to be great until it rained and you had a long walk home, bit of a disaster on a couple of occasions when that happened, also convinced me there was far more fizzy lemonade in a bottle than they stated on the pack - explosive when the bottle hits the floor !

Re: reusable bags in supermarkets

They should now be using biodegradable plastic bags, which rot a lot quicker the others,

Re: reusable bags in supermarkets

I was listening to a radio show the other day where they explained why that would not be the best idea, rotting while in use seemed to be the most persuasive. Seems they need to perfect the process before introducing it.

Re: reusable bags in supermarkets

They obviously do use biodegradable, as I have kept some or stored things in some of these plastic bags, only to find they have disintegrated.

Yes we do have bins in front of our supermarket, to place unwanted carrier bags into.

Re: reusable bags in supermarkets

You're right Valice - what a mess to clear up it was
So they do break up or should I say 'shred up' .... Not sure how long it takes, its in the meantime the damage they cause ...... People should just use their own bags and be done with it.....
Supermarkets do supply 'bags for life' initial outlay 10p and thats it for life .....