Stop and Shop is already charging for paper bags even though that's not part of the law
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The law bans retail
establishments from providing single-use plastic bags to customers at the point
of sale. Eighteen of 39 Rhode Island communities have passed similar plastic
bag bans. The law ensures a uniform and consistent legal standard statewide on
plastic bags. Click here to view the regulations.
The law, authored by Senate President
Dominick J. Ruggerio and Representative Carol Hagan McEntee, directed
DEM to conduct a cost benefit analysis along
with drafting regulations to implement the law. DEM held a hearing on the regulations on
Sept. 26 and the public comment period closed on Oct. 1. DEM
has engaged in outreach to industry and businesses to remind them of the
regulations.
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, DEM reminds consumers that by
bringing their own reusable bag whenever they shop, they are doing their part
to reduce litter and waste and help lessen the harmful effects of single-use
plastics on Rhode Island’s environment.
By keeping reusable bags in the trunk of your car or storing them near a door or coat closet, shoppers will be more likely to remember them on the way out to get groceries or go holiday shopping.
“Eliminating the retail distribution of single-use plastic bags helps prevent litter and plastic debris from entering Narragansett Bay and our local waters, which are central to the Ocean State’s environment, way of life, and economy,” said DEM Director Terry Gray.
“A more
sustainable world starts with all of us, and DEM remains committed to promoting
sustainability throughout our programs and operations. We continue to develop a
comprehensive strategy and implementation plan for sustainable materials management.”
“From microplastics in our waters to litter on our streets, the negative impacts of plastic pollution are easily seen,” said Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio.
“Beyond the many environmental and
social benefits of reducing reliance on single-use plastic bags, the Plastic
Waste Reduction Act will help save money by reducing the significant recycling
and disposal issues that plastic bags pose.”
“The Plastic Waste Reduction Act will reduce the amount of single use plastic bags that end up in the landfill, in our local waters, and as litter in our communities,” said Representative Carol Hagan McEntee.
“Rhode Islanders can make a tangible difference in reducing
plastic pollution by reminding their family, friends, and neighbors to bring
their reusable bags whenever they shop.”
For more information on DEM programs and
initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or
Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.
