Woolworths is removing 15c shopping bags from more states

Aussie supermarket giant Woolworths is introducing a major change in three more states as it works towards eradicating plastic from its checkouts.

A major change is coming to your checkout experience at Woolworths, as the supermarket begins to phase out reusable plastic bags in three more states in a bid to reduce plastic waste.

Woolworths stores in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania have now begun to phase out the 15-cent reusable plastic shopping bags, as the supermarket aims to stop selling the bags nationwide from June.

Last year, the process began in South Australia and the Northern Territory, and since then it has expanded into the ACT and Queensland as well.

Three more states to ditch 15c Woolies bags. Picture: Woolworths

It comes after legislation in Western Australia forced it to stop offering the 15c bags in that state.

As Woolworths moves to go green by eliminating the use of plastic bags, it has since ramped up production of its 20c paper bags after partnering with Adelaide-based manufacturer Detpak in 2020.

The 99c reusable bags will also remain available to shoppers.

Woolworths is helping shoppers prepare for the change by sending reminders out via email, and posting signs in store.

Currently, eight in 10 customers already bring their own bags to the supermarket when they shop.

Jeanette Fenske, Woolworths Supermarkets director of stores, said: “We’re excited to have Victoria, NSW and Tasmania complete our national journey to remove the 15-cent plastic shopping bag from all our stores nationwide.

Woolworths will keep the paper bags. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Having reusable bags on hand has become second nature for many shoppers, and so far we have seen our customers embrace this change with their usual eagerness to do good for the environment.

“Bringing your own bags is the very best outcome for the environment, and we encourage our customers to keep up the great work. Paper bags will continue to be available for those who forget to bring their own – but ultimately we want to sell less bags altogether.

“We’re proud to be the first major supermarket to commit to removing these plastic shopping bags from our stores, and this change is an important step towards more sustainable grocery shopping across the country.”

Woolworths was the first major supermarket in Australia to remove single-use plastic bags from stores after a ban was introduced by legislation in 2018.