Minnesota Walmarts to Implement New Bag Fee Starting This Month

Minnesota Walmarts to Implement New Bag Fee Starting This Month

Coon Rapids, MN – May 16, 2025 – Shoppers at Walmart stores across Minnesota will soon notice a change at the checkout. Starting this month, May 2025, the retail giant will begin charging a fee for single-use carryout bags, according to sources familiar with the company's plans. While Walmart has yet to make a formal announcement, this move aligns with a growing trend in Minnesota and other states to reduce plastic waste and encourage the use of reusable shopping bags.

Specifics of the New Fee:

While the exact fee amount per bag has not been officially disclosed by Walmart, similar initiatives in other Minnesota cities provide some indication. For example:

• Minneapolis has had a 5-cent fee per carryout bag (plastic, compostable, paper, or reusable) in effect since 2020, with enforcement beginning in October 2021.
• Duluth also implemented a 5-cent fee for single-use carryout bags starting in October 2021.
• Edina began requiring a 5-cent charge for single-use bags in July 2024.

It is plausible that Walmart's fee will be in the same general range, likely around 5 to 10 cents per bag. The revenue generated from these fees in Minneapolis and Duluth goes directly to the retailers. Edina encourages businesses to use the fees to offset the cost of communication materials and sustainability initiatives. It remains to be seen how Walmart will utilize the funds collected from this new policy.

Rationale Behind the Change:

This initiative by Walmart is likely driven by a combination of factors:

• Environmental Concerns: Single-use plastic bags are a significant source of pollution. They can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, often end up as litter, and can harm wildlife. Fees aim to discourage their use.
• State and Local Trends: Several cities in Minnesota have already implemented bag fees, signaling a broader movement towards reducing single-use plastics at the local level. While Minnesota state law currently prevents outright bans on plastic bags, fees are a permitted method to disincentivize their use.
• Walmart's Sustainability Goals: Walmart has publicly stated goals regarding waste reduction and sustainability. Implementing bag fees in more locations aligns with these broader corporate objectives. As of May 2023, over 400 Walmart stores across the U.S. had already transitioned away from single-use plastic bags.

Exemptions and Alternatives:

It is anticipated that certain types of bags will be exempt from the fee, mirroring the policies in cities like Minneapolis and Edina. These exemptions typically include:

• Bags without handles used for produce, bulk items, meat, or other similar items within the store.
• Bags provided by pharmacists for prescription drugs.
• Bags used for takeout food from restaurants within the store.
• Newspaper bags, door hangers, and dry-cleaning bags.
• Bags sold in packages intended for garbage, pet waste, or yard waste.
• Bags brought by the customer.

The primary alternative for shoppers will be to bring their own reusable shopping bags. Many retailers in Minnesota already offer reusable bags for purchase.

Impact on Consumers:

Minnesota shoppers at Walmart will need to be prepared for this additional cost if they do not bring their own bags. For a typical grocery shopping trip using several bags, this could add a small but noticeable amount to their total bill. The change is intended to encourage a shift in consumer behavior towards more sustainable practices.

Further Details Expected:

An official announcement from Walmart is expected soon, which will likely clarify the exact fee amount, the official start date for all Minnesota locations, and any specific details regarding the implementation of this new policy. Until then, Minnesota shoppers should begin preparing to bring their own reusable bags to their local Walmart stores to avoid the upcoming fee.