Here in Torbay we are encouraging residents and local businesses to make use of re-usable bags and reduce the amount of plastic carrier bags that are thrown away.

Torbay Council has teamed up with Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust and local community group Transition Town Torbay, with the aim of reducing the use of plastic carrier bags and raising awareness of the impacts that plastic can have on our environment. The initiative was launched in May 2008 at ‘Trash or Treasure Day’ in Goodrington.

A competition was run with local primary school children to design a logo to be featured  on Torbay’s re-usable cotton shopping bag. The winning ‘plastic isn’t fantastic’ design was chosen from over 600 entries. The initiative was launched in May 2008 at ‘Trash or Treasure Day’ in Goodrington, with around 300 residents attending and collecting a free re-usable bag.  

How can you help?

You can help to reduce waste by re-using carrier bags and remembering to take your own bags with you when you go shopping.

You will be able to collect a free re-usable cotton bag at future events in Torbay so keep an eye on this webpage for details.

Plastic Bag Free Week @ Boots

Date: Saturday 6 September - Friday 12 September
Venue: Boots the Chemist, Union Street, Torquay

All customers during this week will be offered a free re-usable cotton shopping bag.

Torbay Green Day

Date: Saturday 20 September
Time: 10am - 4pm
Venue: Paignton Green

Want to do your bit for the environment? Not sure where to start? Come along and find out about waste and recycling, climate change, sustainable transport, energy efficiency, fair trade and much more! You can collect a free re-usable shopping bag at the event.

Local Shops

Local businesses are also encouraged to support the initiative and reduce their use of plastic carrier bags. If you are a local retailer who is interested in going ‘plastic bag free’ and promoting the use of re-usable bags, please contact Torbay Council’s Environmental Policy and Sustainability Team for more information.

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