Walmart Canada: Eliminating Single-Use Plastic Checkout Bags

CPP Roadmap Target #1 & 2

Project Timeline

2021-2022

The Circular Solution 

Walmart Canada, one of the largest retailers in Canada with over 400 stores, recognized the impact of single-use plastic checkout bags on the environment. With increasing regional by-laws being implemented, the company decided to proactively remove checkout bags across the country.

The company initiated a 10-store pilot in August 2021, which diverted nearly 6 million plastic bags in four months. In December 2021, Walmart Canada announced it would eliminate single-use plastic shopping bags in all stores by the end of April 2022. As this change rolled out across the country Walmart Canada’s customers and associates stepped up to make the transition together. In each region, awareness and education messaging in-store and through social media reminded customers of the impending change and offered solutions to make the transition simpler.

Since implementing the change cross-country in April 2022, Walmart Canada has been exploring additional opportunities to reduce customers’ reliance on new reusable bags. This includes piloting a circular economy reusable bag solution in Guelph, ON and exploring opportunities for takeback programs, circular solutions and more.

Outcomes

The elimination of single-use plastic checkout bags will continue to have a significant impact on plastic reduction efforts. According to Walmart Canada, this change prevents more than 680 million plastic bags from entering circulation each year.

Next Steps

As more retailers follow in eliminating single-use plastic checkout bags, the company will continue to monitor customer feedback in stores and explore new opportunities that promote a circular economy.