Waitrose has introduced a 'green checkout' at its store in Saffron Walden, Essex, from today (Monday 14 May) until 27 May. No free bags will be available and customers will be encouraged to bring their own.

The store was chosen because use of its carrier bag recycling facility, which is available at all Waitrose stores, was higher than expected.

A Waitrose spokesman said:

"By introducing this initiative we hope to continue to raise awareness and have a positive influence on shopping habits when it comes to the environment."

For two weeks before the trial began, shoppers were given free Bags for Life to make them aware of the experiment.