Big W to phase out all reusable plastic bags

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The shopping heavyweight announced today that after ditching single-use plastic bags in 2018, it will now also move to axe its 15 cent bags and larger 45 cent bags, replacing them with paper options, or a 99 cent plastic option, should customers require them.

Big W said that “many BIG W shoppers (are) already in the habit of bringing their own bags”.

Shoppers can get all their discounted goods under the one roof. — Discount retailler Big W will phase out the majority of plastic bags on offer in stores around the country. (9News)

“Since we stopped giving away single-use plastic bags in 2018, we’ve seen an incredible effort from our customers to change the way they shop for the better by bringing their own bags,” Dan Hake, Managing Director at BIG W said.

“We believe every small change can make a big difference and this is an exciting next step in our sustainability journey.

“Saying goodbye to plastic shopping bags will remove over 480 tonnes of plastic out of circulation annually, helping to create a better tomorrow for future generations.

The new BIG W at Sydney's Town Hall station is open. — The move set to save “480 tonnes of plastic from circulation” per year. (9News)

“We’d like to thank them for doing their bit for the environment and we’re looking forward to continuing to work together towards a more sustainable future.”

The retailer, a subsidiary of the Woolworths Group, is following in the footsteps of its parent company which removed 15 cent plastic bags from supermarkets earlier this year.

A paper bag will be available for purchase in replacement of plastic “that is designed to be reused”, as well as being “easily recycled at home through kerbside recycling”.

“The bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper, independently certified to FSC standards,” the retailer said.

Big W will now also offer a new “99 cent reusable bag which is made from at least 70 per cent recycled content”.