An independent review has praised Woolworths for pulling ahead of the industry in addressing the plastics crisis, with found only 8% of Woolworths home deliveries using plastic bags for loose produce, versus 95% at its nearest competitor1.
More than 700 supermarkets now accept household soft plastics, diverting 50 million pieces from landfill.
Customers have returned 10 billion containers across 400 return points since 2017.
12 November 2026: This National Recycling Week (9–15 November), household recycling habits are back in focus.
It comes as a new independent audit shows practical changes across Woolworths’ operations are already cutting waste.
Earlier this month, the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) released its Unwrapped audit. It found just 8% of Woolworths home delivery orders contained loose produce packed in plastic bags, compared with 95% at its closest competitor. In August 2026, Woolworths also began publicly reporting on its plastic intensity (grams of primary plastic/units sold), with annual updates to follow.
Last month, our work to rebuild a more resilient soft plastics recycling system was also recognised, with Woolworths receiving the Operational Excellence Award at the 2026 Waste Innovation & Recycling Awards.
"Rebuilding a transparent, robust soft plastics recovery pathway across more than 700 stores has required enormous cross-industry collaboration and operational ingenuity," said Woolworths Managing Director of Sustainable Impact Laurie Kozlovic.
"Most importantly, it wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of Aussie households who bring their soft plastics back to our stores week in, week out and have helped recycle more than 50 million pieces of plastic to date."
Across the country, shoppers have also recycled 10 billion bottles and cans at over 400 Woolworths-affiliated Container Deposit Scheme collection points since 2017, redeeming $1 billion in 10-cent refunds or donations. Since 2018, more than 20,000 tonnes of virgin plastic packaging have also been reduced from Woolworths Own Brand product packaging.
What you can drop off this week
Soft plastics: Drop clean, flexible plastics (bread bags, frozen food pouches, bubble wrap) at collection units in more than 700 Woolworths supermarkets.
Batteries and mobiles: Drop used handheld household batteries and old mobile devices into dedicated collection bins at Woolworths and BIG W stores.
Bottles and cans: Return eligible containers to over 400 affiliated return points for a 10-cent refund or donation.
Collection bins are located at the front of most stores, or check the store locator to find your nearest collection point for:
Key Facts: Woolworths’ soft plastics recycling program
Collection network: More than 700 Woolworths supermarkets nationwide.
Volume diverted: Over 50 million pieces of soft plastic diverted from landfill.
Accepted materials: Clean, flexible household plastics (e.g., bread bags, frozen food pouches, bubble wrap).
End-use processing: Processed into building materials and in-store wall panelling.
- Industry recognition: Winner, Operational Excellence Award (2026 Waste Innovation & Recycling Awards).