Walmart ‘automatic’ surcharge taking effect in April – and it’ll cost shoppers next time they shop

WALMART shoppers in Washington will see fresh charges as the company phase out plastic bags next month.

Beginning April 18, Walmart customers must bring their own bags or pay a small fee upon checkout.

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Washington has enacted a ban on single-use plastic bags, allowing businesses to charge eight cents for paper or reusable plastic carrier bags.

For compostable bags, however, the fees are optional by law.

The new fee will be added to both in-store and pickup orders.

Walmart has said it will still use paper bags for delivery orders — for now.

Because the big retailer has over 4,700 stores nationwide, the charges will only affect some states, as not all have laws banning plastic bags in stores.

OTHER STATES WITH BAG BANNING

Washington is one of many states and companies adopting more sustainable practices.

Last year, New Jersey passed legislation in response to the increase in plastic pollution.

As of now, buyers will be charged a 42 cent baggage fee for their delivery orders, but they can choose not to.

In fact, California was the first state to eliminate single-use plastic bags from grocery stores.

The ban will take full effect on January 1, 2025.

Additionally, Connecticut’s plastic ban went into effect on July 1, 2021, ending the 10-cent tax on plastic bags.

Stores now offer paper bags or reusable ones, including thicker and reusable plastic bags.

As early as 2020, Vermont phased out single-use plastic bags at all retailers and restaurants.

The state now allows grocers to sell paper bags for 10 cents.

In addition, plastic bags in the grocery store are still allowed to contain loose items such as groceries.

Oregon also enacted its plastic bag ban on January 1, 2020.

This meant that all retail stores and restaurants could no longer offer single-use till bags.

Shops now charge at least five cents for paper bags, reusable plastic bags and reusable cloth bags.

However, as of now, restaurants can still provide paper bags for free.

OTHER WALMART CHANGES

Walmart recently announced a major expansion of its Walmart Health Centers.

The centers are designed to provide affordable dental, medical, psychiatric and behavioral care to those with or without insurance.

While the retailer currently only has 32 health centers, it hopes to increase the number to 75 by the end of 2024.

After completing hundreds of drone shipments from Walmart stores, investment in DroneUp grows.

First announced in 2021, the drone delivery is now available in 36 stores in seven states.

Customers can expect to see their items within 30 minutes or less of placing their order.

Visit the Walmart website for more information on size and weight requirements.

Walmart shoppers rush to grab a $109 Kids Favorites scan for just $15.

Customers can expect additional fees at the Walmart Auto Care Center.