Walmart to Charge Customers 42 Cents Per Shopping Bag Starting March 28 to Tackle Climate Crisis

On March 28, 2023, Walmart will begin charging 42 cents per bag for delivery orders and 10 cents per bag for pickup or in-store purchases in the state of New Jersey.

However,  some plastic bags, such as those used in the following situations, are exempt from the prohibition on single-use bags:

• Bags used solely for wrapping uncooked meat, fish or poultry
• Bags used solely for containing loose items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, coffee or baked goods
• Bags used solely for delivering newspapers
• Laundry or dry-cleaning bags
• Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended for use as garbage or pet waste bags.

This move is part of Walmart’s efforts to comply with New Jersey’s ban on single-use plastic shopping bags that took effect on May 4, 2022.

“New Jersey retail stores, grocery stores and food service businesses may not provide or sell single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service products. Single-use paper carryout bags are allowed to be provided or sold, except by grocery stores equal to or larger than 2500 square feet, which may only provide or sell reusable carryout bags. After November 4, 2021, plastic straws may be provided only upon the request of the customer,” according to the law.

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