Starting 2026 without single-use plastic bags across all stores

As we begin 2026, Goodwill of the Heartland celebrates an important environmental milestone: All of our retail locations now operate without single-use plastic shopping bags.

Following months of focused planning and careful rollout that began a few years ago, all Goodwill of the Heartland stores officially stopped offering single-use plastic bags on August 18, 2025. This year marks the first time shoppers across our region experience Goodwill as fully plastic-bag free, but the impact is already clear.

Why This Matters

By eliminating single-use plastic shopping bags, Goodwill of the Heartland keeps an estimated 2.5 million plastic bags out of local landfills each year. Those bags no longer enter waterways, green spaces or already stressed waste systems.

This change also strengthens our mission in a practical way. Reducing the purchase of disposable bags saves Goodwill approximately $90,000 annually - funds we can reinvest directly into job training, employment services and community programs across southeastern Iowa and west-central Illinois.

What This Means for Shoppers

Shopping at Goodwill now looks slightly different at checkout, but the process remains simple:

  • Bring a reusable bag
  • Reuse a donated box or bag when available
  • Purchase a low-cost Goodwill reusable bag in store

These small choices create real impact. When shoppers reuse bags, they help reduce waste while supporting a more sustainable shopping experience. That experience reflects Goodwill's core purpose: extending the life of goods while creating opportunity through reuse.

Sustainability Supports Our Mission

Goodwill of the Heartland helps people reach their full potential through education, training and the power of work. Sustainability directly supports that mission. Every item reused or recycled reduces waste, conserves resources, and strengthens local economies.

By eliminating single-use plastic bags, we align everyday retail operations with long-term environmental and community impact.

Example of Goodwill's low-cost reusable bags, which are a shopper alternative to single-use plastic bags.

What's Next

Going plastic-bag free marks an important step, but not the finish line. In the coming months, Goodwill of the Heartland will pilot new recycling initiatives focused on responsibly collecting and recycling additional types of post-consumer plastic.

We look forward to sharing more details soon. Our direction remains clear: reduce waste, increase reuse, and build systems that benefit both people and the planet.

Looking toward the year ahead, we're proud to begin with this level of progress and excited to keep moving forward.