Portland is expanding its grocery bag charges, to include not only plastic bags.

Portland, Oregon was one of the first US cities to begin plastic bag charges, levying a small fee on the use of these carriers.

This was in order to improve its environmental credentials, reducing waste and creating a more sustainable community, using paper bags and cotton bag alternatives.

However, the city is considering also adding small charges to its paper bags, thus promoting jute and cotton reusable choices.

A new report has found that reusable checkout bags have increased in use by 304 per cent, signalling that the plastic bag ban is already having the desired effect.

But in order to dissuade people from using other disposable options a small levy is being discussed in the supply of paper bags to consumers who do not bring their own carriers when shopping.

The city council has explained that plastic bags were the major problem and needed dealing with before more detailed regulations were introduced.

Spokeswoman for the mayor's office, Caryn Brooks, told KIMATV that they wanted to test one concept initially and "then evaluate whether to include things such as a paper bag fee".

However, since the news circulated the city, shoppers have had mixed reactions towards the proposal.

Shopper Lara Stone told the broadcaster: "I think I would start to remember my reusable bag if I had to start paying for them."

However, the reaction was not all positive.

Portland resident Cynthia Sims said: "I really like the fact that they got rid of plastic bags, but how dare them try to charge for the paper. In this economy, I mean come on, five cents is five cents."

At present the city only requires larger stores to ban plastic bag distribution, however this, along with proposals to introduce paper bag levies is to be discussed by commissioners later this week.

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