Discount department store Target brings back free plastic bags after hundreds of customer complaints Shoppers in a Target department store. Source: HeraldSun TARGET is binning its ban on free plastic bags in response to complaints from customers. For the first time in four years, free plastic bags will return to the discount department store chain from today. The backflip comes as the troubled retailer tries to revive sales and earnings. Customers needing plastic bags for their shopping have had to pay 10c-20c for biodegradable versions at the cash register since May 30, 2009. Target spokesman Jim Cooper admitted the environmentally friendly push had provoked widespread annoyance, particularly among shoppers buying bulky items such as cookware. "We've decided to offer free shopping bags in response to extensive customer concern about being charged for bags in our stores," Mr Cooper said. Customers have clearly told us that they do not believe they should be forced to buy a bag. The change will not be reflected in an increase in the price of products, and the biodegradable bag option remains for those wanting them. The shopping bag fee was Target's top customer gripe, averaging more than 500 formal complaints annually. Do Something! founder Jon Dee slammed the shift as a "disappointing step backwards," and accused management of failing to continually communicate the environmental benefits. Target's free bags will be thicker in South Australia, the Northern Territory, ACT and local council areas that have outlawed standard lightweight plastic bags. "The new policy will be compliant in all areas where legislation applies," Mr Cooper said. Planet Ark spokeswoman Janet Sparrow said the move was likely to increase plastic bag use, saying: "They are a really visible example of our daily use of single-use items. "They are made from non-renewable petroleum resources and can end up littering our waterways and natural areas, and harming wildlife," she said. Target's pre-tax earnings slumped 44 per cent in the year to June, to $136 million.