Woolworths shuts down proposal to BYO containers for meats

Woolworths has shut down reports it’s considering letting shoppers bring their own containers for meat and fish. 

The potential move, which was first reported by The Daily Telegraph, would mirror a similar policy introduced by the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket Morrison’s, which rewards customers who bring their own containers to package meats and save on single-use plastic bags. However, Woolworths has indicated it has no plans to do so at this stage.

“This is not something we offer at the moment due to food safety and operational reasons, but we are always looking for new ways to help customers reduce plastic consumption across our stores,” a Woolworths spokesperson told Starts at 60.

It is understood, the primary issue is food safety and potential contamination risks of bringing non-sterilised containers into meat, seafood and deli departments. 

Coles has also disregarded the idea: “Coles does not allow customers to bring in their own containers to use as it poses a health and safety risk. It also makes it very difficult for us to do a thorough investigation if a customer becomes ill and we are unsure where the container used came from,” a Coles spokesperson told Starts at 60.

“However, Coles is actively working to reduce waste and landfill through a variety of initiatives, such as removing single use plastic bags from all Coles supermarkets on July 1.”

There has been mixed reaction since Woolies pulled single-use plastic bags from all stores on June 20.

“What a disappointment that Woolies is phasing out thin plastic bags but replacing them with even thicker ones!!” One commentator wrote on Facebook.

Another added: “Please bring back free disposable plastic shopping bags. They are more hygienic and a lot of customers (like me) recycle them by using them as as bin liners or for carrying other articles.”

Shoppers will no longer receive single-use plastic bags — instead consumers will have the choice of bringing their own in, or buying reusable bags ranging from 15 cents to $2. There is also an emergency foldable bag, available for 99 cents, which Woolies will replace for free if damaged.

“From the beginning, we felt strongly that this was the right thing to do and we’re really pleased to see customers are behind the change as well,” Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said at the time. 

“This is a landmark day for us not just as a business, but for our customers and communities, 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 stores, for good.”

Queensland, Victoria and WA will ban single-use plastic bags from July 1, joining the ACT, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania who have had bans in place for several years. Although NSW will not have a ban, Coles and Woolworths have undertaken to phase out single-use plastic bags nationally.

Should shoppers be allowed to bring in their own containers? Do you think the plastic bag ban is a good idea?