LONDON -- We've known for some time this day was coming. From Monday, people in England who use plastic bags to lug their groceries home will have to pay 5p (5.6c) for each one -- a move some predicted would spark "chaos."
The same type of scheme has already been introduced in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland -- with all seeing the usage of plastic bags drop dramatically (and little to no chaos). Around 7.4 billion bags were given out in big English supermarkets in 2013, according to the government.
Only large retailers have to implement the levy -- so any shops that employ fewer than 250 full-time employees are exempt -- something that's been criticised by environmentalists.
Despite the exemptions, some newspapers splashed the story across their front pages, predicting mass chaos.
Here's how people are dealing with all of that plastic bag tax-fuelled disorder:
So. Much. Chaos
Absolute chaos at the plastic bag shop today. Nobody knows what to do. Plastic bags flying everywhere. #plasticbags— Carl Maxim (@carlmaxim) October 5, 2015
Plastic bag preppers rejoiced.
OK. All set for back-to-work. Ready to load the car so I'm ready for the chaos. #plasticbags pic.twitter.com/gvZIbngsfJ— Andy Coates RPT (@AndyWoodturner) October 5, 2015
Been saving #plasticbags for past 3 years so I have plenty when 5p charge comes into life lol— CatchAFallingStar* (@KasiaGoBelieve) October 5, 2015
Hoarders pondered how to spend their new fortunes.
Did you wake up a millionaire this morning? #5pbagcharge #plasticbags pic.twitter.com/NZDIeV8e3G— BBC Asian Network (@bbcasiannetwork) October 5, 2015
Entrepreneurial types hatched new businesses.
If anyone needs a few #PlasticBags my mum has a few thousand stashed under her sink. PM me now and save yourself 5p!— Demis (@DemisKyriacou) October 5, 2015
Some saw doomsday signs.
5p charge, 5th day of 5x2nd month of 5x3rd year prophesies coming of 5 horsemen of apocalypse: conquest, war, famine, death & #plasticbags— Paul Cotterill (@Bickerrecord) October 5, 2015
Naysayers were brimming with genuine outrage.
I refuse to pay 5p to save the Planet. It's OUTRAGEOUS. #plasticbags— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 5, 2015
Think pieces flowed.
Everything you need to know about #plasticbags: They now cost 5p.— Patrick Smith (@psmith) October 5, 2015
Some were just baffled.
The BBC's reporting the plastic bag ban as if it's the new Cuban Missile Crisis. #plasticbags— Paul W. (@limeandonion) October 5, 2015
And for others the chaos was just too much to take.
Can't believe the chaos outside. Grown men on their knees, crying in the rain, staring at a plastic bag. Complete turmoil and confusion.— Jamie East (@mrjamieeast) October 5, 2015
How will we cope with all the disorder?