Providence Plastic Bag Ban Begins Mon, 10/22

You’ve got one day to create a little stockpile of reusable bags so when you go out shopping you won’t get caught having to purchase bags to bring home your groceries and goods. And no, the thicker plastic bags with stitched handles aren’t considered recyclable, so learn all the details here. AND – if you use reusable fabric bags don’t forget to wash and air dry them – bacteria from repeated uses with no washings is a real concern. Some retailers have found recyclable bags but are worried they might not be “approved” by the city – a switch to paper bags are four times as expensive and some retailers will have to pass on that cost to their shoppers.

On Monday, October 22^nd, the ban goes into effect in the city of Providence, following a unanimous approval back in April on Earth Day.

From the City of Providence website – good info for shopper and retail outlets:

Q: What does the ban do?

The ban seeks to reduce the number of plastic checkout bags in the City, curb litter in the streets, protect our waterways and marine environment while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through encouraging the use of reusable bags by prohibiting retailers from offering single-use plastic bags at the checkout counter.

Q: What about produce bags and other plastic bags?

Bags used to hold and transport produce are exempt, as are laundry and dry-clean bags, newspaper bags, and bags used to contain or wrap frozen foods, meat or fish.

Q: What can retailers offer instead?

If any retail establishment provides a checkout bag to customers, the bag shall comply with the requirements of being a Reusable Bag or a Recyclable Paper Bag.

– Reusable Bag: a bag specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse, with handles which are stitched and not heat-fused. The bag cannot be made of any non-recycled plastic.

– Recyclable Paper Bag: a paper bag that is 100% recyclable including the handles, contains at least 40% post-consumer paper content, and displays the words “Recyclable” and “made from 40% post-consumer recycled content (or other applicable amount) in a visible manner on the outside of the bag.

Q: Can I offer thicker plastic bags without stitched handles, or “biodegradable” or “compostable” bags?

Unfortunately, no. Thicker plastic bags without stitched handles can be used more than once, but not enough to make it worth the environmental cost. Most bags that claim to be “biodegradable” or “compostable” only break-down in certain temperatures and with special processes. If not disposed of properly, these bags can still cause harm to wildlife and have a negative impact on the environment.

Q: What happens if a retailer continues to offer single-use plastic bags at the counter?

On first violation, a retail establishment will be issued a warning notice. If an additional violation happens within one year of being issued a warning notice, retailers will be fined:

– $50 for the first offence.

– $100 for the second offense and all subsequent offenses.

Payment of such fines may be enforced through civil action in the City Municipal Court. All revenue collected as a result of violations shall be deposited into a designated city fund for furthering community education and outreach on recycling and waste matters.

Q: Are there any cases where a retailer will be exempt?

The director of the Office of Sustainability may exempt a retail establishment for a period of one year if it’s found that the requirements of the ordinance would cause undue hardship to a retail establishment.

Q: How do I know if I’m considered a “retailer”?

Retail establishment means any person, corporation, partnership, business venture, or vendor that sells or provides merchandise, goods, or materials directly to a customer, whether for or not for profit. This includes (but is not limited to) restaurants pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores, liquor stores, seasonable and temporary businesses, jewelry stores, and household goods stores. “Retail establishment” does not include sales by residents at their homes.

Applying for an Exemption

Retail establishments may file for a temporary exemption if they demonstrate their qualification for an undue hardship.

The Director of the Office of Sustainability (or designee) may approve the exemption request, in whole or in part, with or without conditions on a case by case basis.

Qualifying for an Exemption

Retailers may qualify for an exemption if they can demonstrate the following:

– Circumstances or situations unique to the particular Retail Establishment such that there are no reasonable alternatives to bags that are not Recyclable Paper Bags or Reusable Bags; or

– Circumstances or situations unique to the Retail Establishment such that compliance with the requirements of this chapter would deprive a person of a legally protected right; or

– Circumstances where a Retail Establishment requires additional time in order to draw down an existing inventory of single-use plastic check out bags.

If Retailer claims “excess inventory” as reason for exemption, the Retailer must include a description of remaining inventory and inventory reduction plan with the exemption request form.

More details, here:  http://www.providenceri.gov/sustainability/