Retailers often implement bag fees to encourage reusable bag adoption and reduce plastic waste. This practice involves charging a small fee per bag at checkout, typically for paper or plastic options. For example, a store might charge five or ten cents per bag.
Such policies offer several advantages. Environmentally, they incentivize sustainable practices by reducing the consumption of single-use plastics. From a business perspective, they can lower operational costs associated with providing free bags. These charges also align with growing consumer awareness of environmental issues and the desire for eco-conscious choices. Historically, bag fees have gained traction as a response to plastic pollution concerns and represent a shift towards more sustainable retail practices.