By this time next year, you won’t be able to buy a reusable plastic shopping bag at Woolworths or Big W.
The Woolworths Group estimates that this will reduce the circulation of more than 9,000 tonnes of plastic bags each year.
The supermarket giant says eight out of 10 customers already bring their own bags when shopping – but will that mean a smooth transition for shoppers?
What bags are we talking about?
The two types of thick reusable plastic bags that the Woolworths Group sells for 15 cents and 45 cents.
They were reintroduced in 2018 after the supermarket phased out single-use plastic bags.
When is this happening?
Over the next year, but when exactly will depend on what state you’re in — and how many bags your local has in stock.
“We know change can be an adjustment for some customers and that is why we are introducing this change gradually over the coming year,” said Natalie Davis, Managing Director of Woolworths Supermarkets.
Big W and Woolworths will gradually start reducing bag stock before they are completely cut.
Woolworths Group says this will be completed by June next year.
What if I forget a bag?
Paper bags will still be available for 20 cents.
“But at the end of the day, we want to sell fewer bags,” Ms Davis said.
Woolworths paper bags are made from 70% recycled paper, are designed to carry up to 6 kilograms and are meant to be reused.
And the bags for my vegetables?
Those thin plastic bags we all know will always be available in the produce section.
However, the Woolworths Group hopes to “explore more sustainable options” for them.
Bags of compostable produce are already being sold in South Australia.
Have any states already eliminated these bags?
Yes, they haven’t been sold to WA since April.
Woolworths Group says a survey shows 76% of respondents in WA support the move.
What are the next states and territories?
South Australia and Northern Territory.
At this point, they will be removed from September.
What are the plastic bag rules for each state?
LAW: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2011. Biodegradable bags and “barrier bags”, including fresh produce bags and deli bags, are not included in the ban.
New South Wales : Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned from Wednesday. This applies to compostable bags, but barrier bags are still allowed.
North territory: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2011. Compostable bags and barrier bags are not included in the ban, but degradable bags are.
Queensland: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2018. This includes degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags, but barrier bags are still permitted.
South Australia: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2009. But biodegradable bags and plastic bags without handles – think fruit and vegetable bags – are still allowed.
Tasmania: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2013. Compostable bags and barrier bags are not included in the ban.
Victoria: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2019. This includes degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags, but barrier bags are still permitted.
Western Australia: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2018. And all plastic bags, regardless of their thickness, will be prohibited by next month — this includes paper bags with laminated plastic.
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