Customer's Questions and Answers

We hope to answer many of the questions and concerns of customers on this page. We'll constantly add to the page and if you ask a question we'll try to answer it.

Why should I bring my own shopping bag?
Why not seems a simple answer? Everyone is effected by the waste problem which plastic bags cause, whether its unsightly hedgerows, water pollution or rubbish on beaches. With a little effort you can make a difference.

If I forget my shopping bag, how will I carry my shopping home?
Some shops will be able to sell you either a paper or corn starch bag for a few pence. Alternatively there may be a box available. There will be regular reminders around the town, so hopefully we'll all get into the habit of having a shopping bag with us.

I don't have a shopping bag?
Don't worry, you could always buy one from one of the many shops in Aylsham. If you live in Aylsham, then you'll have the opportunity to get a free bag from Norfolk County Council. You just need to visit the centre of Aylsham on either Saturday 3rd or Saturday 17th May to pick it up.

Why get rid of plastic bags?
Plastic doesn't break down, meaning it damages the environment and specifically our water systems (rivers, seas and oceans). Plastic bags not only cause problems when they are buried in landfill, but also blow around because they are light getting caught in trees and hedges and suffocating animals. We've become a nation of plastic addicts, which is having a really negative impact all around the world. Other countries have succeeded in banning plastic bags and we could easily do the same here if there was political will to do so, instead it's being left to individuals to do their own bit.

What am I going to use in my bin now?
You shouldn't be using plastic bags in your bin ever. They definitely go to land fill, which means there is no chance of them being recycled and so definitely cause pollution. Most people need some form of bin liner, but you should be using a 100% biodegradable bag rather than a plastic bag. That does mean spending a little money, but there are good biodegradable bags available.

Is recycling plastic bags a good idea?
Anything that stops plastic bags or any other plastic going to landfill is a good idea. However if we don't collect plastic bags with our shopping then there will be a lot less plastic in the system and that means there is even less chance of plastic ending up in landfill. Landfill is a very old way of dealing with rubbish, which was fine when the rubbish was all biodegradable and environment damaging products like plastic hadn't even been thought of.

If you have questions then please send them to enquiries@aylshamplasticbagfree.co.uk and we'll try to answer them as quickly as possible.