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[NSW/VIC/QLD/WA] Free Reusable Plastic Bags (Were $0.15) @ Coles

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[NSW/VIC/QLD/WA] Free Reusable Plastic Bags (Were $0.15) @ Coles
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pennypincher98 on 05/07/2018 - 17:42 coles.com.au (1890 clicks)
Last edited 02/08/2018 - 10:38 by 4 other users

Just went to the self serves at Coles, scanned the bag and saw it come up free

Coles offer -$0.15

Asked the checkout assistance lady and she says take as many as you want while they are free. Saw one bloke who must be an Ozbargainer take 10-15 yet only bought bread and milk :D

Not sure if nationwide - scan the bag and see if it deducts the 15c. Maybe a Coles rep could chime in here?

My 100th post, kind of sad that it had to be this though :P

From Coles website

Until Sunday July 8, if you forget your reusable bags we’ll provide complimentary reusable Coles Better Bags at every Coles and at Coles Online in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. Excludes Coles Express.

Update: Extended indefinitely. (Thanks crazycs)

Now that this has been extended indefinitely, please try and remember your bags or at least reuse them. Don't just chuck them out, if you have too many you can recycle them at Coles.

Updated Update: Coles to end free plastic bags Aug 29…maybe.

Groceries Plastic Bag

Related Stores

Coles
Coles

closed Comments

    • chudson on 06/07/2018 - 13:22

      oldschool

  • TransportPosters on 05/07/2018 - 21:30

    Thanks, OP.

    Will be good to get a few of these bags for free. I've been using the 15 cent Coles one for about 3 to 4 weeks and the edge of a packet of minced beef sliced a hole into it down the side last week. I can see this happening to lots of people. Have to look at something better long term. I used promotional chiller bags for a while but they also broke after months of use.

    I found a heavy-duty Masters one which I got for free when they ran out of plastic bags during their closing down fire sale. Wish I had more of those.

    I also routinely bring a Big W bag into Coles and have never been stopped by staff, unlike what has been reported in the media from people using rival shops' bags. Hilarious.

  • RainbowHands on 05/07/2018 - 21:31

    anyone know when this is until? woolworths stops their bag offer on 9 july

  • lomie on 05/07/2018 - 21:45

    Here's an alternative https://www.thismumathome.com/blogs/product-reviews/shopping…

    You can find similar on ebay etc

    • Sage on 05/07/2018 - 21:51
      +1

      $19.95

      These are free though.

      • onlinepred on 01/08/2018 - 09:12

        But they aren't really free, there are bigger costs to them. So although it might save you now, it might not save you any money later.

  • Sage on 05/07/2018 - 21:49
    -1

    Oh good. I've been shopping at Woolies instead due to their free bags.

  • BLC on 05/07/2018 - 22:15
    +4

    As another Tasmanian. You will get use to it. You take reusable bags or just buy bag.
    Do I think it is better for the environment? Probably not. The thick bags only last a few uses. The reusable bags don’t last long enough to be better for the environment.
    The rip after 30 or so uses l even the esky bags don’t last that long.
    Is it better for the shops? Definitely. After the first wave of not wanting to buy bags it becomes a reality of life and you just buy them when needed.
    It is worse to make a seperate trip if you have to drive home to pick up your bags and the fuel will cost more then buying a few bags.
    You can unload straight from the trolley to your car without bags as well.
    Good luck with the transition. Just wish they didn’t plastic wrap all of the fruit and veggies if the care about the environment so much.

    • Broden on 05/07/2018 - 23:59

      It is worse to make a seperate trip if you have to drive home to pick up your bags and the fuel will cost more then buying a few bags.

      Leave them in the boot?

    • Black Brown Blue on 06/07/2018 - 18:53

      Hi
      I asked the checkout lady in Coles if bags are free. She declined. Said only in Mainland. Can you please confirm bag are free in Tasmania as well?

  • Economic on 05/07/2018 - 22:18
    +1

    Here’s a real trooper… took the trolley home. Not only helping the environment, creating jobs too :)

    https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/frustrated-shoppe…

    • Pantagonist on 05/07/2018 - 22:31

      creating jobs too

      Amazing. Who was the lucky person hired to pick up the trolley because it was too much for the currently employed trolley wranglers to handle?

  • fredk1000 on 05/07/2018 - 22:21

    Going to fill my free bag with free bags! Yeah!

    • 11112007 on 06/07/2018 - 08:27
      +1

      That's what I did.

      I went straight to self checkout, asked the supervisor. I just have to scan them and they are free? She said yes.

      Took the whole rack of them scanned them one by one and filled one bag with (EDIT: just counted) 51 bags.

      I should have printed the receipt and uploaded it as a seperate Ozbargain. Damn it.

  • Associatedfrodoteabaggins @ Coles on 05/07/2018 - 23:03
    +2

    Coles employee here. Found an article from Coles Chief Operating Officer Greg Davis with this to say.

    We want to do everything we can to help our customers through this transition. For some, it can be difficult to get into the routine of bringing their own bags to the supermarket or know exactly how many they may need for their entire shop.

    That's why, from today until Sunday night, we're pleased to help out by offering our supermarket customers complimentary reusable plastic bags in those states where single-use plastic bags have been removed for the first time.

    We're really grateful for the way our customers have responded and this is a small way we can say 'thank you' and help them with the transition.

    • chudson on 06/07/2018 - 13:21

      Don't forget to tell customers the limited states this applies to

  • spy on 05/07/2018 - 23:05
    +2

    Not nationwide.

    • Squeezy on 06/07/2018 - 10:27
      +2

      Cant see why they would offer this in SA given we have had resuable bags for a number of years. Majority of people bring their own. In my case I usually forget the bag so throw everything in the trolley. Throw it in the boot and when I get home do a few trips from car to house ( or use one of the canvas bags I "usually " have in my boot

  • Jessica309 on 05/07/2018 - 23:25

    Bargain for us. Nail for the earth. I wonder why would you take 15 "reusable" bags then. >.<

  • wc on 06/07/2018 - 00:37

    Wonder if Coles is giving this freebie as most shoppers went to Woolies for the free bag. Their sales figure perhaps dropped from 1/7/18, freebie to entice customer back.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/07/2018 - 00:48
    +1

    I always wear a backpack when stopping at the supermarket on a bike anyway.
    but don't worry , they won't think you're stealing..
    Much

    • Eeples on 06/07/2018 - 06:25
      +2

      Yes, the culture needs to change.

      I’ve always packed directly into my backpack and I always get extra scrutiny especially in self-serve.

      I hope it lessens now.

  • ronafios on 06/07/2018 - 07:25
    +1

    This doesn't apply in the ACT. Definitely charged for bags still here.

  • pyro love bird on 06/07/2018 - 07:56

    They charged my mom twice for hers lol

  • dada22307 on 06/07/2018 - 09:47
    +1

    if they decided to remove the free plastic bags, just completely remove it. not selling bags & create waste again.
    i've been using my own shopping bags like 10 yrs ago, so this doesn't effect me at all.
    supermarkets just wanna rip off customers more when they buying their bags.

  • baggyred on 06/07/2018 - 11:40

    I got a reusable bag to hold the 100 free re-usable bags i took

  • Andard on 06/07/2018 - 13:05
    +4

    I want to know why they didn't switch to biodegradable disposable bags.

    eg.
    https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/biodegradable-plastic-bag…

    These compostable shopping bags meet plastic bag ban requirements and do not require behavioral change in society.

    Because it's not cost effective, right? Is money something Coles is struggling with at the moment?

    • LFO on 06/07/2018 - 13:44
      +3

      I want to know why they didn't switch to biodegradable disposable bags

      Becasue the idiotic customers will pay for a bag. That is why.

  • chudson on 06/07/2018 - 13:19

    NOT NATIONWIDE - #fakenews

  • LFO on 06/07/2018 - 13:41
    +3

    Since when "paying" for plastic bags will be good for the environment?

    When the offer ends it will be 15 cents for a 0.2 cents plastic bag.
    Guess who wins and loughs all the way to the bank?
    (The supermarket wins … just in case indoctrination killed intelligence)

    • Sage on 06/07/2018 - 13:46

      It's a detterent.
      We're supposed to reuse the bags.

    • Charity on 06/07/2018 - 22:31
      +1

      BTW, Colesworth didn't make up this LAW. That's like blaming eBay for charging you GST under the new LAW. Think hard and put your blame elsewhere.

      • LFO on 20/07/2018 - 15:06

        Good try but think about it:
        By "law" now they can charge the customer 15c for a 0.01c plastic bag.
        Somehow the devil plastic is no longer a devil.
        And the government allow that to happen. Correction, the government encourage them to do it by passing legislation … that, of course, could be changed again in the future …

        Please open your eyes and see.

        • sam buster on 21/07/2018 - 09:54
          +1

          Yes, the bags should be more expensive to make them a true deterrent. Also, they should biodegrade sooner.
          None-the-less, it's a step in the right direction. In six months time, when everyone has a collection of 15c reusable bags, they should up the price to $2 - or better still, stop selling / gifting them.

    • josho9 on 29/07/2018 - 18:39

      Also, realistically it would cost at least 3-4 cents just to manufacture each of these bags; there's a fair bit of plastic in them, they've been bleached and then they've been printed in colour. There is also a small transport cost. There could certainly be a profit margin, but it's a bit unfair to suggest that coles is making a 7400% profit.

      • Wardaddy on 01/08/2018 - 08:53
        -1

        Er, you can't make more than 100% profit.

        • Wardaddy on 01/08/2018 - 09:10

          LOL! Negged for a mathematical fact. That's hilarious.

  • schnoz bargain on 06/07/2018 - 13:43

    These were closely guarded at my Coles and they would only give me one!

  • devz on 06/07/2018 - 17:27

    Dont forget your Australian Consumer Law on purchased products link
    If your multi-use 15c bag breaks within 12 months, you could return for a repair, replacement or refund.
    Even better, if the multi-use bags break with contents within them, you could claim compensation for damages & loss.

    • schnoz bargain on 06/07/2018 - 17:30

      Mine already has a hole in it, day 1.

  • Stolniik on 06/07/2018 - 18:49
    +4

    This is great! I’ll definitely be stocking up.

    I’m all in for the green initiative, but I can also see how it may be an inconvenience for some who don’t plan their shops. We plan our week out and do a large shop on Sunday, this means we have the luxury of taking the car. But for those “last minute” shoppers, or say you are going out to meet friends via public transport, hang out with them all day and do your shopping in the afternoon, are you expected to carry the bag in your hands the whole time?

    I feel that if the monopoly giants being Coles and Woolies were seriously trying to promote a greet footstep without hurting their back pocket, they would switch their free bags with recycled bags.

    My impulse buys have definitely stopped as a result.

    • UberIsCool on 11/07/2018 - 21:12
      +2

      “But for those “last minute” shoppers, or say you are going out to meet friends via public transport, hang out with them all day and do your shopping in the afternoon, are you expected to carry the bag in your hands the whole time?”

      That’s bull. In Hawaii there are no plastic bags, if you need a bag last minute you can get a brown paper one. I have a small silk reusable bag I carry, had it for 15 years now and still in great shape, size of two matchboxes and opens up larger than plastic bag, carries 10kg.

    • sam buster on 21/07/2018 - 09:56

      The planet weeps for your inconvenience.

      • Wardaddy on 01/08/2018 - 08:56

        Planets can't weep. That would be a human thing.

        • Scab on 01/08/2018 - 09:09
          +1

          But if you take the emotion out of environmentalists they have nothing left.

  • CheeryCheapskate on 06/07/2018 - 20:22
    +1

    Depends on each store but some of them have a recycling bin at the front (Woolies and Coles). If you forget a bag or just had bad luck, you can probably pick bags up there. Aldi gives away boxes.

  • No ONE on 06/07/2018 - 21:35

    Free bag is not available in ACT. So it is not “nationwide”.

  • anastasiastarz on 07/07/2018 - 00:23

    Not free at Coles, Melb Central.

  • THICKnSLOW on 07/07/2018 - 13:10
    -3

    https://cartridges.planetark.org/news/display/2449

    Professor Veena Sahajwalla should make a 3D printed shopping bag for all the crazies out there complaining about the ban and charge.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/07/2018 - 14:55
      -1

      That's the problem with the eco warriors. Whoever doesn't agree with them is labelled as crazy. Why don't you keep saving the world, but let us live our life without imposing your morals.

      • THICKnSLOW on 08/07/2018 - 12:01

        That's it neggers, get it out of your system by clicking the '-'. Hope you feeling better and maturing, and learning to accept life is going to change.

        Yours Truly

        Eco-Warrior Saving the planet because of lazy crazies not pulling their weight

        • Wardaddy on 01/08/2018 - 09:00

          LOL. It's so funny when you eco "warriors" think you're saving the planet. Reminds me of when my kids where little.

  • Ryk on 07/07/2018 - 19:09
    -2

    when they go back to 15c will that imply a 12 month warranty under consumer law?

    • askbargain on 07/07/2018 - 23:05
      +4

      Consumer law does not imply 12 month warranty.

  • Fuzor on 08/07/2018 - 14:15
    +1

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0CT8zrw6lw

    This is interesting in seeing what previous generations do for their environment.

    • LFO on 20/07/2018 - 15:07

      … and no one blinked an eye back in 1986 …

  • headphonejack on 08/07/2018 - 16:31
    +3

    IGA have free bags now too. Staff seemed to think it was nationwide, possibly running all of next week.

  • pogichinoy on 08/07/2018 - 20:26
    +1

    Free at Broadway

  • 11112007 on 11/07/2018 - 14:15
    +4

    Still free guys :)

    https://postimg.cc/image/tt9407x1j/

    • pennypincher98 on 11/07/2018 - 14:16
      +1

      If I had known that I would've got a bag just before!
      Haha I only had like 5 things so I thought I'd save the 15c. Always forgetting these damn bags lol

      • 11112007 on 11/07/2018 - 14:30
        +1

        Woolies has matched as well.

        Free bags are back for now.

        • pennypincher98 on 11/07/2018 - 14:32

          So are you associated with both Coles and Woolies? Or are you just rooting for the competitor lol..
          Yay for free bags though (for now).

        • 11112007 on 11/07/2018 - 14:40
          +2

          @pennypincher98:

          Nah I accidentally ticked it, waiting for a mod to remove it :p

    • FiDad on 13/07/2018 - 13:05
      +4

      I just tried and Woolworths and got charged 15 cents

      • Scab on 01/08/2018 - 09:11

        Reported to the mods.

  • UberIsCool on 11/07/2018 - 21:13
    +3

    Just carry a reusable one on key ring or in pocket, not hard to do. The silk ones fold down tiny.

    • sam buster on 21/07/2018 - 09:58
      -1

      This got negged!
      Some people are unbelievable.

  • scrypton on 13/07/2018 - 16:59

    Maybe Woolworths or Coles should give everyone free juggling lessons to juggle their groceries. It's both environmental friendly as well as up-skill-ing the nation :)

  • RichardL on 13/07/2018 - 18:08

    Had to pay at local NSW Woolworths.

    • PissLUR on 15/07/2018 - 19:57
      +1

      Read OP. it's Coles.

  • b3au on 13/07/2018 - 21:32

    Just got an email from Coles this afternoon mentioning this offer, no end date

    At Coles, we’d like to say thanks for helping support the removal of single use plastic bags from our checkouts. To help with the transition, if you forget to bring your own bags, we’re providing complimentary reusable Coles Better Bags for a limited time. Bags you can bring back to store and use over and over again.

    • pennypincher98 on 14/07/2018 - 07:31
      +1

      for a limited time

      Kind of suggests an end date, but just not sure when..

  • supersabroso on 16/07/2018 - 23:55

    Coles lady at Warrwong NSW mentioned that they are free until today. News seems to mention that they are free until Coles announces it.

    • josho9 on 17/07/2018 - 14:40

      Has anyone checked if this is still valid today?

  • [Deactivated] on 17/07/2018 - 19:46

    Still reluctantly giving them out.

    • pennypincher98 on 17/07/2018 - 20:28

      I got told quite curtly "they're 15c now"

      • Scab on 01/08/2018 - 09:13

        I would have curtly left the groceries there and walked off.

  • Blue Cat on 18/07/2018 - 14:58

    Heard an advertisement on the radio today saying that Coles still give out free bags if you forget to bring your own…
    But haven't tried myself today yet, maybe it is just an old advertisement they forgot to remove?

    • pennypincher98 on 18/07/2018 - 17:16

      Can confirm. I did have a bag with me but needed a second so she gave me a free bag, the -$0.15 coming up again.

      • Scab on 01/08/2018 - 09:13

        But did you get extra Flybuys.

  • syba on 21/07/2018 - 20:04

    Still working today

  • Sage on 24/07/2018 - 11:31
    +1

    Honestly a good deal when you consider Woolworths charge for theirs.

  • Mr Idiom on 25/07/2018 - 14:34
    +1

    Just got a couple more freebies. My local Coles has signs plastered around saying the bags are complimentary until Tuesday the 31st of July. If this is indeed the end, better stock up over the next week!

  • captbollocks on 28/07/2018 - 18:38

    Yeah the website also says it's until 31st July. Might want to update the description and expiry date.

    • pennypincher98 on 28/07/2018 - 18:56

      Can't edit otherwise I would :/

  • 11112007 on 01/08/2018 - 00:22
    +5

    Update 1st August 2018 - Coles will continue to offer plastic bags indefinitely.

    'But in the latest about face Coles has changed its tune yet again revealing they will continue to offer customers these bags — they are normally 15 cents each — for free.

    The change is indefinite and has left environmentalists outraged'

    https://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/companies/coles-specta…

    • c0balt on 01/08/2018 - 08:43
      -2

      Thanks for letting people know.

      Common sense prevailed.

      Lots of tears from totalitarians will flow. They wanted to force their beliefs on others by taxation rather than incentivise. They are free to keep using their canvas bags as always, but now those of us who need the bags as bin liners can rejoice.

      Those who are against common sense are the types who negged you. Also the mods are incredibly scared of such a small vocal minority. The last thread had a 5to1 ratio (100 to 20) of up/down votes but mods didn’t want to upset the 20%, so they removed it.

      Surely the mods can see which way the wind blows rather than curtail to a very vocal minority of people who downvoted reported the last thread.

    • samfisher5986 on 01/08/2018 - 08:43
      +3

      Now I will only go to Coles, so I get free bin bags and don't have to buy the cheap plastic bin bags

    • 11112007 on 01/08/2018 - 08:45
      +3

      Negged for reporting the news, great community we have here.

      • c0balt on 01/08/2018 - 08:54
        -3

        Totalitarians, like those who supported the ban, have never supported freedom and will use what ever subversion they can to prevent others from exercising their freedom.

        • King Steuart on 01/08/2018 - 09:12
          -1

          You have a warped definition of totalitarianism and as the oceans die I hope your opinion changes.

        • c0balt on 01/08/2018 - 09:19
          -4

          @Putnum:

          Australia does not contribute to the scourge of plastic waste in the oceans and water ways. We bury our rubbish and have laws against littering. The plastic waste problem in the world's oceans is a 3rd world problem, not first: http://www.dw.com/en/almost-all-plastic-in-the-ocean-comes-f…

          The definition of a totalitarian can be as I wrote. Someone who wants to remove other's freedoms through banning rather than provide incentives to change behavior. Reward is a much greater incentive than punishment if you want to make people change. Totalitarians don't reward, they only want to punish those they disagree with.

          I hope you can do more research into the issue of plastics in first world countries not being an ecological problem, and realise that those who want to remove something because they disagree with it (rather than convince others, they want to ban), is what totalitarians do. They brigade and downvote posts because they find truth offensive, rather than debate with facts.

  • noshopping on 01/08/2018 - 08:49
    +3

    But but 75% supported the ban… just goes to show polls are useless and biased. Now Woolies will match this.

    So soon you have two of Australia's worst plastic bag polluters (Coles and Woolies) giving out thicker bags, whilst every other retailer is doing the right thing. These twats were going around heavily promoting themselves as being the greenest and greatest retailer not so long ago. Just goes to show all these corporations only care about one thing, PROFIT. Sales must be down so much for them to backflip this fast.

    • c0balt on 01/08/2018 - 08:52
      +1

      In the last thread 100 people supported it to 20 downvotes.

      If 70% of people supported it, coles wouldn’t be bringing them back.

      Yay free bags again!

      • noshopping on 01/08/2018 - 08:54
        +1

        BTW I never supported the plastic bag ban. I saw it as a PROFIT motive but everyone around me said Coles and Woolies were doing it because they cared about the environment, which is BS. Why do people get tricked so easily with nice ads, etc. sigh

        • 11112007 on 01/08/2018 - 09:22
          +2

          It was totally a one sided ban which impacts the customer but doesn't impact the retail (particularly the supermarkets).

          The government should have gone harder regulated the reduced usage of light/thin/below 35 microns across the board at shops or supermarkets with gross profit over X amount.

        • c0balt on 01/08/2018 - 09:27
          +1

          @crazycs:

          I'd be all for that.

          Further to it, as soon as they go over X amount, they could be required to hand out the canvas reusable ones free to those who want them, and a 5cent discount if they scan that bag on their next shop.

          That sort of incentivisation would have much better results than spreading misinformation about plastic bags being an ecological problem in Australia when we bury our waste, have laws against littering and huge fines for illegal dumping.

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