SHOPPERS are urged to go green with the introduction of a Wales-wide carrier bag charge.
But some traders have been left confused by the move.
From Saturday the Welsh Government will introduce a minimum charge of 5p for every single-use carrier bag in retailers throughout the country.
The charge will apply to all sellers without exception and includes supermarkets, corner shops, clothing stores, pharmacies, fast-food restaurants and take-aways
Businesses which continue to give away carrier bags for free could face civil sanctions, including penalties of up to £5,000.
With figures estimating that typical shoppers in the UK use up to 720 carrier bags every year, the government is hoping to drastically cut the number of bags used by consumers.
Waste Awareness Wales recycling officer Andrew Osborne said: "More than eight of 10 carrier bags are disposed of in landfill; many more end up as rubbish. We simply cannot continue wasting our valuable resources in this way.
"The introduction of the charge will help tackle climate change, reduce litter and protect wildlife and natural resources. It's a great green step for Wales and Waste Awareness Wales is proud to support it."
But while welcoming the well-intentioned environmental aims of the new charge, one business group has voiced concern at the economic impact the charge could have on traders.
Michael Learmond, North Wales and Chester development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said that although the group had helped ensure the charge was fair to smaller traders - including gaining exemptions for administration of the charge for businesses with fewer than 10 full time employees - it is still concerned with the implementation of the charge.
He said: "Many businesses are still unaware of their obligations and have not received the promised information pack from the Welsh Government."
He added that while Trading Standards had agreed to take a lighter touch on enforcing the charge initially, with more of an emphasis on education than enforcement, businesses would still need to comply with the law.