Find out the huge problem with Woolworths' new trolleys that's causing a stir among shoppers

Woolworths, one of Australia's largest supermarket chains, has recently introduced a new line of shopping trolleys made from recycled plastic.

While the move is part of the company's commitment to sustainability, it has sparked criticism from customers who have encountered a series of issues with the new trolleys.


The new trolleys, made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE)—a material commonly used in milk and juice bottles—are part of Woolworths' efforts to reduce the use of new materials and give used plastic a second life.

However, the transition to these 'greener' trolleys has not been as smooth as the supermarket giant might have hoped.


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Woolworths caused shopper outrage online with their new recycled trolleys, with some taking aim at their too-light weight. Image: Reddit


Customers have taken to social media to voice their concerns about the new trolleys.

One Queensland shopper shared their experience on social media, stating: 'The new Woolworths trolley has arrived. It’s lightweight and very easy to manoeuvre, downside it’s much smaller. You can’t load two green bags alongside one another. Also being lightweight, the wind just picks them up and throws them across the car park.'

Another said: ‘We’ve had these new trolleys at our Woolies for a while. They’re awful.’

‘Pro tip: don’t park near them on windy days. They’re so light that they roll out of the trolley bays and keep going until they hit something.’

A third wrote: ‘They’re too light honestly, I struggle with them just taking off on me with the smallest movement.’

One more added: ‘Apparently they’re much more prone to being blown about by the wind.’

Added another: ‘I was talking to someone who works in a supermarket once, and I mentioned these. He said they had too much trouble with the wind making them too hard to control.’

‘You could make the frame, where the wheels attach, heavier to compensate. But the frame on this looks very light.’

Another shopper said: ‘These have been at my Woolies for well over a year now—they come in half trolley, full size and the one with the seat for the children and of course classic wonky wheel variant.’

‘What I hate about them is they have no under tray, nor do they have a hook to let me string my reusable bags to them. The old ones had a metal loop in the middle of the back I could do this with.’


Despite the criticism, some Woolworths customers have praised the new trolleys.

'I welcome them, 90 per cent lighter than the others. Load them up and they’re p*** easy to manage,' said one shopper.

Another added: 'We’ve had them in SA for ages. And the baskets. They’re great!'

In response to the criticism, a Woolworths spokesperson shares their sentiments.

‘The majority of recycled HDPE is from milk bottles, but there is a percentage from other drink bottles like juice bottles,’ a Woolworths spokesperson said.

The plastic trolleys are replacing existing ‘aged, broken or need replacing’ steel trolleys and are being used in most Woolworths stores.

‘We’re working hard to grow greener for our customers and the environment,’ the spokesperson said.

‘Our recycled trolleys have been very popular with customers and are currently available in select stores. We plan to continue rolling them out to new stores over the coming years.’

‘These trolleys are made from recycled plastic and give used milk bottles a second life in our stores, while also reducing the use of new materials to create trolleys.’


Despite these issues, the move towards more sustainable shopping trolleys is a positive step.

However, this is not the first time that Woolie shoppers have been disappointed with the newly recycled trolleys as a woman was ‘very annoyed’ at the design and its ‘lack of children seats’ when she used the trolleys while shopping.

Key Takeaways
  • Woolworths shoppers have highlighted issues with the new recycled plastic trolleys, particularly that they are too light and can be blown across the car park by the wind.
  • The recycled trolleys, while environmentally friendlier, have drawn criticism for their smaller size and inability to accommodate two green bags side-by-side, or two children in the seat.
  • Some customers are unhappy that the new trolleys lack certain practical features, such as an under tray or a hook for hanging reusable bags.
  • Woolworths has responded to the criticism, stating that the trolleys have been popular with customers, and that they plan to continue rolling them out as part of their effort to become greener. The trolleys are made from HDPE, with a portion of the plastic coming from recycled milk bottles.

What are your thoughts on the new Woolworths trolleys? Have you encountered any issues? Let us know in the comments below.
 
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I have been using these for the last 2 years in Adelaide I have no complaints they are light and easy to use and there is no jamming of the wheels. Unfortunately they are still dirty and the supermarkets never ever clean them. I have noticed some supermarkets do not have any cleaning wipes anymore so we have nothing to clean them with. I always take my own wipes and clean the trolley before i use it.
I have also been using them for a couple of years. Love that the wheels always go in the right direction. Lighter to push/pull for those of us who are older. Still the same capacity as the old metal trolleys. My only complaint is that the small division which was at the front of the metal trolleys is missing. I used to put my bread in there so it didn't get squashed by everything else. They have a hook under the handle where I can hang my shopping bags safely & the "seat" is just big enough for my handbag to sit with the front of that just right to clip my bag onto to prevent theft.
 
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Reactions: PattiB
Can't we find something more community-minded to talk about? If the trolly does its job of carrying the items from store to car who cares!!!
 
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Reactions: Bubbles 23
So, what happened to the metal ones? In some scrap trolley wasteland somewhere? And explain to me please how the manufacture of plastic trolleys is any more environmentally friendly? Just because Woolies says so? The same company who insist on charging customers for single-user paper bags. Or wrapping bananas, oranges etc in plastic, and packaging organic goods in shrink wrap? Plastic trolleys might look friendlier, but the process to get to that point is far from being any more environmentally friendly. Please. Stop treating the populace like mindless lemmings! (rant over)..
 
Hey Coles and WW. Maybe providing customer service and stop price gouging would improve your customers shopping experience. Just a thought.
 
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Reactions: Gsr
Why are Australians even still Shopping at Woolworths after their Virtue Signalling and disrespect to the majority of Australian regarding Australia Day?
 
Oh FFS!!!! (sorry people) what wankers are let loose to design such a thing? I'm in Salisbury, South Australia and haven't had the pleasure, or not, of trying one out! I'm all for recycling and making them lightweight but come onnnnn, don't we have enough trouble with the current trollies damaging cars!!:mad::mad: Maybe from now on, we will now have to look out for being hit in the head with one, when it is a really windy day!
Progress......Pfft, a step backwards if you ask me and sorry to all the fellas out there, but do they even consult with females, when designing such things, hmmm, I don't think so!
Hey gollywog, I love the name you are using on SDC. I actually have a couple of gollywogs in my doll collection, as well as a couple of black dolls. dont plan to ever get rid of them in my lifetime.
 
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Reactions: gollywog
my local IGA has had trolleys made from recyclables for several years and they are much the same as the steel trolleys in features. Lighter and easier to push, wheels seem to work better. WW Coles have not got them yet So I can’t comment on Them. I figure anything that reuses plastics has to be a good thing.
 
We've had these for quite awhile now the one's we have you have to pay $1 or $2 when they came you could buy tokens for 50c but they stopped selling them after about 6 months. I lost at least 4 tokens can't tell you exactly how much money but a fair bit
 
Oh FFS!!!! (sorry people) what wankers are let loose to design such a thing? I'm in Salisbury, South Australia and haven't had the pleasure, or not, of trying one out! I'm all for recycling and making them lightweight but come onnnnn, don't we have enough trouble with the current trollies damaging cars!!:mad::mad: Maybe from now on, we will now have to look out for being hit in the head with one, when it is a really windy day!
Progress......Pfft, a step backwards if you ask me and sorry to all the fellas out there, but do they even consult with females, when designing such things, hmmm, I don't think so!
Designed by Bas---ds Incorporated :giggle: - Maybe Woolies should be sued for all damage to motor vehicles hit by these wayward trolleys & they will then get the message.
 
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Reactions: gollywog
Hey gollywog, I love the name you are using on SDC. I actually have a couple of gollywogs in my doll collection, as well as a couple of black dolls. dont plan to ever get rid of them in my lifetime.
Gsr, thank you, this is my nickname and has been, for the past 47 years! It was given to me by my hubby, for my hair, not for my skin colour and, I do not plan on changing it any time soon!!!! ;);)
 
Designed by Bas---ds Incorporated :giggle: - Maybe Woolies should be sued for all damage to motor vehicles hit by these wayward trolleys & they will then get the message.
Hmmm, I agree and maybe Councils should be sued for the damage and loss to lives, that their gum trees are causing in suburbia! Sorry, this subject also peeves me off!
 

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