Woolworths stores banned lightweight plastic bags yesterday, June 20 - a week and a half out from the WA ban which begins on July 1, 2018.
Shoppers will have to remember their reusable bags and online shoppers can opt to have their groceries delivered in crates.
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson congratulated the big supermarket chain for its commitment to remove lightweight plastic bags on June 20 from its Western Australian stores and online shopping services.
The Environmental Protection (Plastic Bags) Regulations 2018 come into effect on July 1, banning the supply of lightweight plastic bags with handles - with a thickness of 35 microns or less.
These bags are commonly provided by supermarkets, restaurants and other retail stores.
The ban includes degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic bags because these bags also persist in the environment and pose a threat to wildlife.
The state-wide ban will bring WA into line with SA, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT which already have similar bans in place.
Queensland’s ban also starts on July 1 and Victoria has announced its intention to ban plastic bags.
Plastic bags make up a relatively small portion of solid waste and litter but can have significant impacts on marine wildlife and birds, which can inadvertently eat or become entangled in plastic bag waste.
Western Australians use 670 million lightweight plastic shopping bags every year and, while most end up in landfill, more than seven million are littered.
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said it was great that the major supermarkets like Woolworths were supportive and moving quickly to ban lightweight plastic shopping bags.
“The ban is just one of a number of strategic waste reforms showing this Government’s commitment to reducing waste, which includes a commitment to a container deposit scheme,” he said.
“These initiatives reflect the community’s desire to work together to reduce the significant impact of plastic bags, and other waste and litter on our environment.”
Woolworths Collie store manager Bec Fitzpatrick said it was a really important transition.
“This is a landmark day for our community, to help support a greener future for Australia. We are proud to say that from now on, single-use plastic bags are gone from our store for good,” she said.
“What we’re trying to do with this change is encourage more customers to bring their own reusable bags when shopping, so we can prevent plastic bags from reaching our waterways and reduce the overall production of plastics.
“We know it may take some time for shoppers to form new habits, which is why we’ve been working hard to get the message out to local customers to remember to bring their own bags over the past few months. Putting reusable bags at the top of your shopping list, keeping a couple in the car or leaving a post-it note on the fridge are some simple tricks that could work as a reminder.”
Customers who forget to bring their own bags will have access to a range of new alternative shopping bag options, including a new 15 cent reusable bag which is made from at least 80% recycled plastic.
Mrs Fitzpatrick said there is also an emergency foldable bag and the Woolworths bag for good which are available for 99 cents.
“Our bag for good is an unprecedented offering for our customers when it comes to reusable bags. It costs 99 cents and when it gets damaged, we will replace it for free, no matter when they bought it from us,” she said.
