By this time next year, you won't be able to buy a reusable plastic shopping bag from Woolworths or Big W.
The Woolworths Group estimates this will cut more than 9,000 tonnes of plastic bags from circulation each year.
The supermarket giant says eight out of 10 customers are already bringing their own bags when they shop — but will that mean a smooth transition for shoppers?
Which bags are they talking about?
The two types of thick reusable plastic bags the Woolworths Group sells for 15 cents and 45 cents.
They were brought in back in 2018 after the supermarket phased out single-use plastic bags.
When is this happening?
Over the next year, but when exactly will depend on which state you're in — and how many bags your local has in stock.
"We know the change may be an adjustment for some customers and that’s why we’re phasing this change in over the coming year," Woolworths supermarkets managing director Natalie Davis said.
Big W and Woolworths will begin gradually running down stock of the bags before they're cut off completely.
The Woolworths Group says this will be complete by June next year.
What if I forget a bag?
Paper bags will still be available for 20 cents.
"But ultimately, we want to sell less bags altogether," Ms Davis said.
Woolworths' paper bags are made from 70 per cent recycled paper, are designed to carry up to 6 kilograms and are supposed to be reused.
What about bags for my veggies?
Those thin plastic produce bags we're all familiar with will still be available in the fruit and veggie section.
The Woolworths Group says it's hoping to "explore more sustainable options" for them, however.
Compostable produce bags are already being sold in South Australia.
Have any states already phased these bags out?
Yep — they haven't been sold in WA since April.
The Woolworths Group says a survey shows 76 per cent of WA respondents support the move.
Which states and territories are next?
South Australia and the Northern Territory.
At this stage, they'll be phased out from September.
What are the plastic bag rules for each state?
ACT: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2011. Biodegradable bags and "barrier bags" including fresh produce bags and deli bags aren't included in the ban.
NSW: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick were banned as of Wednesday. That applies to compostable bags, but barrier bags are still allowed.
Northern Territory: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2011. Compostable bags and barrier bags aren't included in the ban, but degradable bags are.
Queensland: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2018. This includes degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags, but barrier bags are still allowed.
South Australia: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2009. But biodegradable bags and plastic bags without handles — think fruit and veggie bags — are still allowed.
Tasmania: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2013. Compostable bags and barrier bags aren't included in the ban.
Victoria: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2019. This includes degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags, but barrier bags are still allowed.
Western Australia: Lightweight plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns thick have been banned since 2018. And all plastic bags, no matter what thickness, will be banned by next month — this includes paper bags with plastic laminate.
