Walmart Eliminates Single-Use Paper Bags In New York, 5 Other States

NEW YORK — Three years after New York State banned most single-use plastic bags, Walmart is going a step further — eliminating single-use paper bags in all its stores in New York and five other states.

Starting Wednesday, the retail franchise announced, paper bags will no longer be provided at checkout or pickup.

"Eliminating single-use bags in New York is part of our effort to reduce waste," Jane Ewing, senior vice president of Walmart Sustainability, said in a statement. "Our customers want to be engaged on this journey and we remain committed to making the sustainable choice the everyday choice."

The franchise also eliminated single-use paper and plastic bags at its stores in Canada, Mexico, Vermont, Maine, New Jersey, Colorado and Connecticut.

Given the decision to eliminate single-use bags in just six U.S. states, company officials anticipate Walmart will avoid using more than 1.2 billion plastic and paper bags every year.

Walmart joined with CVS and Target in the "Beyond the Bag" initiative in 2021. The resulting report provides retailers with information about implementing reusable bag services.

The corporation has a goal of zero waste in its Canada, US and Mexico operations by 2025, saying on the corporate website:

We aim to break the link between consumption and waste as part of the larger global movement towards a more circular economy, meaning a transition from a “take-make-dispose” approach to one that values the reuse, recycling, and regeneration of materials. We aspire to achieve zero waste in our global operations and to work with suppliers, customers and communities to accelerate the adoption of innovative packaging and products designed for circularity.

Walmart sells reusable bags and containers throughout the store and at registers. Store signage, social media posts and the Walmart app will remind customers to bring reusable bags with them.

Walmart delivery will continue to use paper bags; however, customers will have the option to purchase reusable bags for their delivery.

Walmart will also have recycling containers for plastic and reusable bags.