The big Walmart update is just days away – and changes will affect every shopper

WALMART has just confirmed a change in its operations that will affect a large percentage of buyers in the coming year.

Walmart will no longer issue single-use plastic bags to customers in Colorado stores.

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This is part of their “Beyond the Bag” program, KKTV Approved.

That change will take place starting next year, and while the store has confirmed these plans apply to Colorado, it will likely affect other stores across the country.

“Effective Sunday, January 1, 2023, Walmart stores in Colorado will no longer offer single-use plastic or paper bags at checkout or pickup,” Walmart’s statement said.

“Delivery will be switched to paper bags.

“We are working hard to ensure our customers and employees have a seamless and convenient transition to reusable bags.

“Eliminating single-use bags is part of our commitment to becoming zero-waste in all our operations and ultimately moving towards a circular economy based on encouraging reuse, refill and recycling habits incrementally.”

Colorado is the latest state to join this trend, after Vermont, Maine and New Jersey.

In the case of Colorado, Walmart is jumping ahead of the trend.

Last year, Gov. Jared Polis signed legislation banning single-use plastic bags, taking effect in January 2024.

Next year, big companies like Walmart and Walgreens that issue single-use bags will have to charge customers an additional fee.

While this is a significant change, it does not affect all stores.

Smaller businesses in Colorado are exempt from charging customers.

Some industry experts believe this loophole will create a confusing environment for customers and businesses alike.

“I would say that this is the biggest point of potential confusion from both a business perspective and a customer experience perspective,” said Marty Pool, manager of Durango’s sustainability program.