everybody knows carrier bags are an eyesore upon society.
BUT, they are still ecologically, a better alternative to both boxes, paper bags and many of the other bags available.
Most people DO recycle them as waste bin liners, or for bagging rubbish at home or while out on a day trip.
If the government and green do-gooders feel they have do something, let them write a list of 100 uses for 'carrier bags after they have split and chucked your shopping across the car park'.
Doralene

lol, so agree norm. I think it's a stupid idea; getting rid of them by the end of this year.

I use mine for all sorts of things, and I never throw an empty plastic bag out, unless meat or other materials have already soiled the inside. I even tape the bottom if they have a hole in them