Next year around this time you won’t be able to buy a reusable plastic shopping bag from Woolworths or Big W.
The Woolworths Group estimates that this will remove more than 9,000 tons of plastic bags from circulation every year.
The supermarket giant says eight out of ten customers already bring their own bags when they shop, but does that mean a smooth transition for shoppers?
What bags are they talking about?
The two types of thick reusable plastic bags that the Woolworths Group sells for 15 cents and 45 cents.
They were brought back in 2018 after the supermarket phased out single-use plastic bags.
When will this happen?
In the coming year, but when exactly depends on what state you’re in — and how many bags your local stocks.
“We know the change may be an adjustment for some customers and so we are making this change in the coming year,” said Natalie Davis, director of Woolworths supermarkets.
Big W and Woolworths are starting to phase out the stock of bags before cutting them off completely.
The Woolworths Group says this will be ready by June next year.
What if I forget a bag?
Paper bags are still available for 20 cents.
“But ultimately we want to sell fewer bags overall,” said Ms. Davis.
Woolworths paper bags are made from 70 percent recycled paper, are designed to hold up to 6 kilograms and should be recycled.
What about pouches for my vegetables?
Those flimsy plastic bags we all know will still be available in the fruit and veggie section.
However, the Woolworths Group says it hopes to “explore more sustainable options” for them.
Bags of compostable products are already being sold in South Australia.
Are there any states that have already phased out these bags?
Yes, they haven’t been sold in WA since April.
The Woolworths Group says a survey shows 76 percent of WA respondents support the move.
Which states and territories are next?
South Australia and the Northern Territory.
At this stage, they will be phased out from September.
What are the plastic bag rules for each state?
TO TRADE: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have since been banned 2011† Biodegradable bags and “barrier bags”, including fresh produce bags and deli bags, are not covered by the ban.
NSW: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick were banned starting Wednesday† This applies to compostable bags, but barrier bags are still allowed.
Northern Territory: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have since been banned 2011† Compostable bags and barrier bags are not covered by the ban, but biodegradable bags are.
Queensland: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have since been banned 2018† This includes degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags, but barrier bags are still allowed.
South Australia: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have since been banned 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 since been banned 2013† Compostable bags and barrier bags are not covered by the ban.
Victoria: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have since been banned 2019† This includes degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags, but barrier bags are still allowed.
Western Australia: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have since been banned 2018. And all plastic bags, regardless of thickness, are banned by next month — this includes paper bags with plastic laminate.
Posted † updated
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