The new levy on plastic carrier bags has come into effect in Northern Ireland.

BBC: Northern Ireland's new five-pence carrier bag tax

Diana Wallis - the Liberal Democrat MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber - has long argued for a levy on plastic carrier bags.

BBC: England

Shoppers would need to pay a minimum of 5p for a plastic carrier bag under proposals being put out to consultation by the Scottish government.

BBC: Plans for 5p plastic bag charge in Scotland

Any item with a plug or batteries which fits into an average sized plastic carrier bag can be put in the green box, which is picked up weekly.

BBC: Somerset

The only plastic objects that can not now be recycled are heavily contaminated items, such as paint pots and plastic products, such as carrier bags, coal sacks, and clear material used to seal food containers.

BBC: Guernsey States introduces more plastic recycling

The microcapsules can be suspended in a carrier medium, so that they can be screen-printed on to surfaces including glass, plastic, fabric and even paper.

ECONOMIST: REPORTS