Tesco slammed for new ban affecting Sheffield online shoppers taking effect from April

The ban, which will come into effect on April 19, will see the absence of tray liners or non-essential plastic bags with online orders in their bid to reduce unnecessary plastic consumption.

In a message emailed to shoppers, Tesco wrote: "From 19 April, we're removing tray liners and non-essential plastic bags from all online orders.

"If you place your order before 19 April for delivery after that date, you'll still receive tray liners if you've asked them.

"As a response to Covid-19 and to ensure the safety of our customers and colleagues, we reintroduced carrier bags for all online orders.

"However, we know how concerned many of you are about plastic - and we're aware we have an important role to play in reducing plastic consumption."

Tesco said this means, there will no longer be an option at the checkout to have the shopping packed in plastic bags or tray liners, instead the groceries will be placed directly into the trays.

However, the supermarket giant said they will continue to use red plastic bags for meat, fish and some household cleaning products for health and safety reasons.

Tesco added: “If your order is being delivered, we recommend having your own bags ready to pack into. If you’ve not got these at the door, don’t worry – there’s always time to grab them.

"If you’re vulnerable, disabled or elderly, your driver can still bring your shopping inside, but they won’t be able to enter your home if you’re currently self‐isolating.”

They also recommend shoppers having bags or boxes ready in the car to unpack the shopping into.

Tesco has since been inundated with complaints from shoppers on Twitter, where majority of them asked them to reconsider their decision.

A customer said: “Can’t believe @Tesco are now stopping packing online deliveries in tray liners. Not a thought for all their shoppers who are permanently housebound. My shopping has to stay in hall til relative arrives to put it away. It is okay in liners but all over floor??”

A shopper added: “Tesco, please allow tray liners and bags again! For the disabled, it makes it easier to carry. I certainly can’t do without, so what do you want me to do? Let alone if you to carry things upstairs? While you think you’re helpful, you’re not being considerate or accessible!”

Another said: “Yes, at least wait until the pandemic is over and maybe come up with an alternative. I thought tray liners were recyclable anyway, we were told? I see from the many comments customers are not happy. Time for a rethink maybe.”

Another user said: “Can’t understand why you are stopping the tray liners for click and collect when they are recyclable. I have a bad back and standing putting every item into my bags/boot of large weekly shop is not practical. Will end up with big queues of people waiting while others load.”

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