Tesco hikes price of bags for life to 40p in UK-wide supermarket change

Friday, 31 October 2025 15:14

By David Murphy

Tesco has raised the cost of its reusable carrier bags, sparking frustration among some shoppers while the supermarket says the move supports sustainability goals.

Shoppers across Rochdale and the rest of the UK will now pay 40p for a ‘bag for life’ at Tesco, a 10p increase introduced quietly this week.

The new price is part of the supermarket’s wider commitment to reducing plastic waste. Tesco first phased out single-use 5p plastic bags in 2017, replacing them with stronger reusable alternatives. Originally priced at 10p, these bags rose to 30p over time and are now 100% made from recycled plastic.

The latest price hike has drawn a mixed response from customers. Some have branded the move ‘a joke’ on social media, questioning why a bag made from recycled materials should continue to rise in cost. Others, however, said they were unfazed by the change, arguing that bringing your own bag is now second nature for most shoppers.

The government introduced carrier bag charges at supermarkets in 2015 to tackle the environmental impact of plastic waste. Since then, bag usage has fallen dramatically, with Tesco and other retailers encouraging reusable options.

Tesco has not formally announced the reason for the increase but says proceeds from bag sales help support environmental initiatives and fund the replacement of damaged bags in stores.

While the charge might seem small, for shoppers who forget their bags regularly or buy in bulk, the cost can add up, particularly during the festive shopping period.

Tesco continues to offer a free replacement for worn-out bags for life, provided customers return the original one.

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