Grumpy Coles shoppers loading up on free plastic bags while they still can

CUSTOMERS are pinching reams of plastic bags from stores still offering them for free, with one supermarket resorting to placing limits on shoppers.

TIGHT-FISTED Coles shoppers are taking off with handfuls of free plastic bags before they disappear from supermarket check-outs forever.

One Coles store at Sanctuary Lakes has even resorted to limiting the bags on offer at its self- service checkout, after workers noticed people pinching reams of them and walking out of the store.

It’s believed shoppers are stockpiling them to use for nappies, dog poo and garbage.

The sneaky practise has amped up at Coles stores as the chain prepares to follow Woolworths by banning single-use plastic bags from Sunday July 1.

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From then on shoppers will be required to bring their own or buy reusable bags.

Coles spokeswoman Meg Rayner would not comment about people stockpiling the bags, but thanked customers for their understanding during the transition.

She said single-use plastic carry bags were already banned in Tasmania, South Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT.

Shoppers can now buy 99c bags at Woolies, with the same deal in effect at Coles from Sunday.

“Coles has committed to phasing out single-use plastic carry bags nationally because it’s the right thing to do for our environment,” Ms Rayner said.

“To help our customers with the transition, we’ve had posters in stores, information on our website and our team members have been reminding customers to bring their own bags when they shop with us.

“If customers forget to bring their own bags, Coles has a range of options available in store.”

Woolworths head of sustainability Adrian Cullen said the supermarket chain had been pleased with the level of support so far.

“We first announced the move to go single-use plastic bag free almost a year ago, and have spent a lot of time over the past few months talking to customers … ahead of the change to ensure they were prepared for the transition,” Mr Cullen said.

A Canstar Blue survey of 2200 shoppers showed 71 per cent were in support of the ban, 21 per cent disagreed and eight per cent were unsure.

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