Woolworths stores ditching plastic fruit and vegetable bags

A shopper has shared a photo of a sign in a WA Woolies store that could soon be seen in every supermarket across Australia.

A shopper spotted a sign in a Woolworths store that could give Aussies a glimpse at the future of grocery shopping.

The Reddit user took to the social media forum to share a picture of a sign in a Western Australia Woolworths store that could soon be seen in everyone supermarket in Australia.

“This store has removed single use fruit and veg bags,” the sign explained.

Woolworths is trialling the removal of classic plastic bags in 12 WA stores, including Floreat, Murray St, Yanchep, Margaret River and Busselton, ahead of the state’s ban on single use plastics coming in to force in March 2024.

South Australia has already enacted this legislation, meaning all Woolworths stores in the state have the compostable bags.

New Woolworths mesh fruit and vegetable bags. Picture: Supplied

During the first two weeks of the WA trial, the reusable mesh bags will cost 30 cents for three instead of $1.50 for three, with the offer ending on September 12.

“We are preparing for upcoming changes in WA, with a government ban on single use plastic fruit and veg bags set to start in March next year. Twelve of our stores in WA are part of a six week trial process that is testing a number of different bagging options,” a Woolworths spokesperson told news.com.au.

“Customers shopping in a trial store can choose to go bagless with their fruit and veg purchase or bring their own reusable bag. We will also be offering reusable mesh bags.

“As the trial kicks off, we are offering all of our customers shopping in the selected trial stores a three-pack of Woolworths reusable mesh bags for 30 cents. These bags can be used again and again.

The Woolworths sign that could soon be in stores across the country. Picture: Reddit

“We understand this will be an adjustment for customers and we’d like to thank them for helping us to prepare for the WA Government’s upcoming ban on single use plastic fruit and veg bags.”

Social media users have been left torn on the issue, with some praising the supermarket while others expressed frustration.

“Woolworths and Coles have taken responsibility for the 12,400 tonnes of soft plastics REDcycle never did a f**king thing with back in February,” one social media user said.

Another said: “Why do people need to put things in bags? I understand for mushrooms and green beans etc but why for apples and cucumber?”

However, some suggested the move would just lead to people spending more on bags when they were previously free.