The 5p charge doesn't necessarily go to charity - the outlets selling the plastic bags are allowed to deduct a reasonable amount to cover costs and to give the 'after tax' proceeds to charity. Sainsbury's, have actually removed all their old plastic bags from stores and have replaced them with reusable, sturdier ones for which they charge 5p, with free replacements when they 'wear out'. As these bags fall outside the new law, they are under no obligation to give anything to good causes. To be fair to them, once they have covered the cost of the new bags, they are giving the rest of the profits to charity.