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USA
• On April 22nd, 2009, the “Plastic Bag Reduction Act of 2009” was introduced in the U.S. Congress. This act would
place a $0.05 (five cents) fee on “single use” bags from grocery stores and other retail outlets. If passed, the fee would
be charged starting January 1, 2010. The act goes on to increase the fee in 2015 to $0.25 (twenty-five cents). Some of the
money from the fee would go to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, some to state and local programs and some to reduce
national debt. House Resolution 1298, titled “Encouraging efforts to reduce the use of paper and plastic bags,” was
introduced in the 111th Congress on April 22nd, 2010. The resolution was referred to the House
Committee on Energy and Commerce where it was staid.
[added 05-23-11]
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Alaska |
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• In 2009, Senate Bill 22 was introduced to the Alaskan Legislature. This bill would
charge a fifteen (15) cent fee for disposable plastic bags given out by retailers. The fee would fund the "Alaska litter
and marine debris reduction and recycling fund". This bill was referred to the Resources and Finance Committees as of
January 21, 2009. The bill remained in this committee at session adjournment.
[updated 11-25-09]
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Alaska Communities |
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In Western Alaska, at least 30 villages/communities have banned plastic bags since 1998.
The ban was in response to plastic bag litter from dumps and ill-effects on Alaskan wildlife including salmon and seals.
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Fairbanks, AK |
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On September 10th, 2009 the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly voted to enact a five
cent tax upon each plastic bag given out by all retail sellers in the community of Fairbanks. One month later, in October
2009 the tax was repealed by the Assembly. The tax would have been effective January 1, 2010 and as written the retail
sellers would have been allowed to keep three percent of the total amount collected while the rest of the money would
have gone to a local recycling program special revenue fund. The ordinance cited that some municipalities have estimated
a collection and disposal cost of 17 cents per plastic bag.
[updated 05-17-10]
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American Samoa |
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• On February 23, 2011 a law went into effect; banning wholesale and retail establishments
from directly or indirectly providing customers with plastic shopping bags in the Territory of American Samoa. Biodegradable
and compostable plastic bags are exempted as are bags used for certain products including raw meats, fresh produce and prepared
meals in takeout containers.
[added 05-23-11]
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Arizona |
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• In 2008, bills were introduced to the Arizona state government for review that proposed to place a surcharge on plastic and paper bags and asking retailers to offer recycling collection of the bags. These bills did not pass during the 2008 legislative session. [added
01-23-09]
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Phoenix, AZ |
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In Phoenix, the city and the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance worked together with stores to create Bag Central Station. This program is a voluntary program in which stores encourage reusable bags and must accept plastic bags for recycling. |
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Tempe, AZ |
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In Tempe, the Bag Central Station program has been expanded from its start in Phoenix. The program started in Tempe in 2008 and is a voluntary program in which stores encourage reusable bags and must accept plastic bags for recycling. [added
01-23-09] |
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Tucson, AZ |
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In Tucson, the Bag Central Station program was codified in March 2009. The city council adopted a new city code requiring retail establishments of over 10,000 square feet to provide recycling bins for plastic bags. [added
08-03-09] |
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California |
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• In 2006, the State of California passed a law, effective July 1, 2007, mandating that all retail establishments of a certain size or larger label their bags for return to the store for recycling, have recycling bins available to customers and to provide reusable bags for customers to purchase.
[added 01-23-09]
• In 2009, Assembly Bill 1141 was introduced to California legislature. The bill would require that all plastic carryout bags contain a specified percentage of recycled plastic. Plastic bag producers would be charged a producer’s responsibility fee of $0.001 per bag. The bill was held without recommendation by the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources (4/27/2009).
• In 2009, Senate Bill 228 was introduced to California legislature. The bill would require all marine degradable or compostable plastic bags to be readily distinguishable from non-biodegradable plastic bags. The bill remains in the Senate Appropriations Committee (5/28/2009).
• In February 2009, Senate Bill 531 was introduced to California legislature. Initially, the bill would have required suppliers of paper or plastic single use carryout bags to pay a fee of $0.001 per bag to the State Board of Equalization. Monies generated would fund grants for litter reduction education. The bill was amended in April 2009 to only add details to existing plastic bag manufacturer obligations regarding recycling education. The bill was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources on June 15th, 2009.
[added 08-03-09]
• Assembly Bill 1998 sought to reduce plastic litter pollution and increase reusable bag use by banning plastic bags at grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores and other similar stores. This bill failed to pass in August 2010.
[added 09-03-10]
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Fairfax, CA |
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The City Council of Fairfax, California, passed a ban on plastic bags in 2007 only to withdraw the ban because of a threatened lawsuit regarding the environmental benefit of such a ban. Subsequently, the Council asked stores to voluntarily stop giving out plastic bags. In response, citizens of Fairfax made the issue a ballot initiative. In November 2008, voters passed the initiative. [added
01-23-09] |
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Long Beach, CA |
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The City Council of Long Beach, California passed an ordinance in May 2011 banning single-use plastic bags at major retailers within the city limits. The ban will become effective August 1, 2011 and only applies to stores and pharmacies with more than 10,000 square feet or with gross annual sales of $2 million. Beginning in January 2012, the ban will apply to smaller stores.
[added 05-23-11] |
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Los Angeles County, CA |
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In November 2010, the LA County Supervisors voted to enact an ordinance to ban plastic bags in the areas of the county under the Board of Supervisors’ jurisdiction. The ban will be instituted in phases, with the first phase beginning in July 2011 when large supermarkets and pharmacies must stop providing disposable plastic bags. The ordinance also enacts a $0.10 (ten cent) fee per paper bag.
[updated 1-21-11] |
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Malibu, CA |
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In May 2008 the Malibu City Council approved a ban on all non-reusable plastic bags excluding produce bags. The ban went into effect in November 2008. |
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Manhattan Beach, CA |
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In July 2008, the City Council of Manhattan Beach passed a ban on all plastic bags used for carrying purchased goods. Currently, the ban is on hold due to a lawsuit. One clause of the suit states that the city did not perform an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and the second states that the city does not have the power to ban plastic bags. [added
01-23-09] |
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Marin County, CA |
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On January 25, 2011 Marin County California passed an ordinance barring retailers in the unincorporated areas of the county from distributing plastic carryout bags and to charge customers a minimum of 5cents for paper carry out bags. On February 24, 2011 the Save the Plastic Bag Coalition sued the county in the Superior Court of California.
[added 05-23-11] |
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Oakland, CA |
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In June 2007, the city of Oakland passed an ordinance banning non-biodegradable plastic take-away bags. This ban applied only to retail establishments that gross $1 million in annual sales. The ordinance allows paper bags provided that they meet recycled content requirements. The ordinance has been rescinded after a lawsuit against the city was upheld in April 2008. The suit cites that the city had not performed adequate environmental study regarding the possible adverse effects of a ban. [added
01-23-09] |
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Palo Alto, CA |
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On March 16, 2009, Palo Alto City Council voted to ban plastic bags. The ban is slated to take effect September 18th, 2009. [added
07-24-09] |
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San Francisco, CA |
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The city of San Francisco passed an ordinance in April 2007 requiring retail stores (pharmacies and supermarkets) that gross annual sales of $2 million to provide paper bags, compostable bags and/or reusable bags. |
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San Jose, CA |
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In December 2010, the San Jose City Council approved a plastic bag ban, effective January 1, 2012. The ban applies to all retailers except restaurants and nonprofit secondhand stores as well as for bags that hold fruit, vegetables or raw meat.
[added 1-21-11] |
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Santa Clara County, CA |
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In April 2011, the Santa Clara County supervisors passed a ban on plastic bags effective
January 1, 2012. This ban affects the unincorporated areas of the county and requires retailers to not only cease giving
out plastic bags but also to charge at least 15cents for paper bags. Newspaper and restaurant bags are exempted as are
non-profit and social organizations that hand out plastic bags.
[added 05-23-11] |
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Santa Monica, CA |
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In January 2011, the Santa Monica City Council approved an ordinance that banned all retail
establishments from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers at the point of sale. Paper bags made from at
least 40% post-consumer recycled content are permitted to be provided to customers for at least a 10cent fee. All revenue
from the fee remains at the store. Produce bags and takeout food bags are exempted from the ban. The ban is in effect as
of September 1, 2011.
[added 03-07-12] |
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Solana Beach, CA |
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In August 2008, the city of Solana Beach began a voluntary recycling program for plastic bags.
The program utilizes three collection bins in public buildings and sends the clean plastic bags directly to Trex Co. Inc.
Trex makes deck boards and fencing from wood and recycled plastic fibers. Previously, in December 2007, the city enacted a
law prohibiting plastic bags used for advertising that is thrown onto driveways and yards or hung on doorknobs.
[added 01-23-09] |
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Sunnyvale, CA |
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In December 2011, the Sunnyvale City Council approved an ordinance that would ban the use of
single-use carryout bags at supermarkets and other large retailers that have store space of greater than 10,000 square feet.
The ordinance will be implemented on June 20, 2012 and will expand to all retailers by March 2013. Restaurants and
charitable/non-profit organizations are exempted from the ban. The ordinance also includes a 10 cent mandatory charge for
recycled-content paper bags for those customers who do not use a reusable bag. Individuals who participate in the California
Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children or who use food stamps are exempted from the paper
bag fee. The fee for paper bags is set to increase to 25 cents in 2014.
[added 03-07-12] |
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Colorado |
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• In 2009, Senate Bill 156 was introduced to the Colorado General Assembly. This bill would ban
retail stores of a certain size from providing free plastic bags. The bill would also charge a fee of six cents per plastic bag of
which the store would keep half the money and the state would receive the other half for use in plastic bag use reduction education.
February 24, 2009, Senate Second Reading Lost with Amendments.
[added 05-05-09]
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Aspen, CO |
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In October 2011, the Aspen City Council voted to ban plastic bag distribution at grocery stores
and place a 20 cent fee on paper bags. Grocery stores affected by the ban will be able to keep a small portion of the proceeds
from the paper bag fees in order to offset the costs of implementing the ban.
[added 03-07-12] |
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Connecticut |
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• In 2009, House Bill 5466 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would require all retailers that give out plastic shopping bags to also accept the bags back and have those bags recycled.
• In 2009, House Bill 5273 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would ban all retailers from using non-biodegradable bags starting January 1, 2011.
• In 2009, House Bill 5207 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would require a tax to be paid on all paper and plastic bags. The purpose of this bill is to help reduce waste, litter, dependence on foreign oil and to help foster sustainability and environmental responsibility.
• In 2009, House Bill 5107 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would require retail stores to charge a tax of five cents per plastic bag. Money from this tax would be used for the renewable energy fund.
• In 2009, House Bill 5479 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would also require a five cent fee per plastic bag. This is intended to encourage the use of reusable bags and to reduce plastic waste.
• In 2009, House Bill 5492 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would require the recycling of plastic shopping bags and charge a fee on each plastic or paper shopping bag.
• In 2009, House Bill 6314 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would require a five cent fee per bag given out at grocery stores. This is intended to reduce the amount of plastic waste that enters landfills. [added
02-25-09]
• In January 2009, House Bill 5005 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. If enacted, this bill would prohibit retail establishments from providing plastic bags for purchased goods at the point of sale. This bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Environment and stayed there until adjournment of the Assembly.
• In January 2009, House Bill 5215 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would require a five cent fee per bag given out at grocery stores. Monies generated from the tax would be transferred to the Department of Environmental Protection. It remains “Tabled for the Calendar” in the Committee on Finance, Revenue, and Bonding (May, 2009). [added
08-03-09]
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Westport, CT |
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In 2008, Westport Connecticut passed a ban on most plastic shopping bags beginning in 2009. Bags used for produce are exempted. |
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Delaware |
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• In March 2009, the Delaware House of Representatives passed House Bill 15, requiring stores exceeding 7,000 square feet to establish an at-store recycling program for plastic bags. The governor signed the bill into law on 8/17/09. [added
08-25-09]
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District of Columbia (Washington, DC) |
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• Washington, DC – In 2009, the “Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Act of 2009,” was introduced to the Council of the District of Columbia. This act would ban the use of disposable, non-recyclable plastic retail bags as well as establish a five cent fee for all other disposable bags, including but not limited to paper and plastic retail bags. If passed, part of the money would be placed in the Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Fund. On June 2, 2009, the City Council of Washington D.C. voted unanimously to create a 5-cent tax on both paper and plastic bags in order to promote the use of reusable shopping bags. One cent per bag would stay with the business which sold the bag and four cents would go to fund a cleanup of the Anacostia River. In order to become law the bill was again voted upon in late June when the D.C. Council unanimously voted to pass the bill. The Mayor of D.C. signed the bill on July 7, 2009. The fee will go into effect on January 1, 2010.
[edited
09-30-09] |
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Florida |
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• The Energy, Climate Change, and Economic Security Act of 2008 (House Bill 7135) signed into law by former Governor Crist created Section 403.7033, Florida Statutes. This section requires the DEP to perform an analysis and submit a report to the Legislature by February 1, 2010 regarding the
necessity and efficacy of both statewide and local regulation of bags used by consumers to carry products from retail establishments.
Until such time that the Legislature adopts the recommendations of DEP, no local or state government may enact any regulation or tax on the use of such retail bags. [added 08-04-09] |
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Hawaii |
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• In 2009, House Bill 1357 (same as Senate Bill 1292) was introduced to the Hawaii legislature proposing a ban on all non-biodegradable/compostable plastic bags and require retailers to provide either recyclable paper bags, compostable plastic bags or reusable bags. If enacted this ban would apply only to stores that gross at least $250,000 in revenue annually. This bill remained in the House Energy and Environment Committee at Legislative adjournment.
• In January 2009, House Concurrent Resolution 43 was offered to the Hawaii House of Representatives. This resolution requires the Hawaii Food Industry Association to form a working group with a representative from each County, the Department of Health, producers of polystyrene and plastic bags made in Hawaii, affected trade organizations and environmental organization. The working group would establish minimum statewide standards for biodegradability of plastic grocery bags and food containers. This resolution remained in the Senate Committee on Health at Legislative adjournment.
• In February 2009, House Concurrent Resolution 61 was offered to the Hawaii House of Representatives. House Concurrent Resolution 61 (same as House Resolution 49) urges Honolulu and Kauai Counties to reduce the use, sale, and environmental degradation caused by non-compostable plastic bags. This resolution remained in the House Energy and Environment Committee at Legislative adjournment.
• In January 2009, Senate Bill 244 was introduced to the Hawaii Legislature. If enacted this bill would have required each retail establishment to provide the consumer with either a refund or a store credit if the consumer purchased goods or products and declined to use a plastic shopping bag that the retail establishment offers at no additional charge. In February, the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment deferred the measure.
• In January 2009, Senate Bill 245 was introduced to the Hawaii Legislature. This bill would have established a statewide at-store plastic carryout bag recycling program. The program would have been implemented at stores with over ten thousand square feet of retail space and a licensed pharmacy or a store with annual sales of $2,000,000 or more. This bill was deferred by the committee on Energy and Environment.
• In January 2009, Senate Bill 584 was introduced to the Hawaii Legislature. This bill would have prohibited retail stores and supermarkets from distributing plastic shopping bags. The bill was referred to the Energy and Environment committee where the measure was recommended to be passed with amendments. From the Energy and Environment committee, the measure was sent to the Judiciary and Government Operations committee where it remained at Legislative adjournment.
• In January 2009, Senate Bill 1163 was introduced to the Hawaii Legislature. This bill would have required distributors that sell and distribute plastic shopping bags to stores for the stores to give to consumers to pay a fee of $0.05 per bag. This fee would be payable to the Department of Health and would be remitted to the “keiki first steps trust fund.” This bill was referred to the Energy and Environment committee and the Human Services committee. Both committees deferred the measure in February.
• In January 2009, Senate Bill 1292 (same as House Bill 1357) was introduced to the Hawaii Legislature. This bill would have required all businesses that gross over $250,000 annually to cease distributing non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags and only distribute recyclable paper bags, compostable plastic bags or reusable bags. This bill was referred to the Energy and Environment committee and the Judiciary and Government Operations committee where the measure remained at Legislative adjournment. [added
08-03-09]
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Hawaii County, HI |
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In August 2008, the Hawaii County Council voted to ban businesses from offering plastic checkout bags. The ban needed the signature of the mayor to go into effect but the mayor opposed the ban and vetoed it. The County Council then voted again in October 2008 but there were not enough votes to override the mayor’s veto. [added
05-22-09] |
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Kauai County, HI |
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In October 2009, the Kauai County Council voted to ban plastic carryout bags. Stores must now offer only biodegradable, 100%recyclable paper or reusable tote bags at checkout. The stores are allowed to charge for the bags. The ban will go into effect on January 11, 2011. [added
11-02-09] |
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Maui County, HI |
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In 2008, Maui County voted to ban plastic bags by 2011. |
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Paia, HI |
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In 2008, the town of Paia Maui became “plastic bag free” when all of the town traders agreed to cease handing out plastic takeaway bags. |
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Illinois |
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• House Bill 0334 was introduced in the Illinois legislature in January 2009. The bill
was referred to the Rules Committee, then assigned to the Environmental Health Committee and then Re-referred to the Rules
Committee in March 2009. If enacted, this bill would create the “Grocers’ Mandatory Plastic Bag Recycling Act,” which would
require grocery stores to implement recycling programs for plastic bags. The bill remained in committee at session adjournment.
[updated 11-25-09]
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Chicago, IL |
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In May 2008, the City Council of Chicago enacted an ordinance requiring certain retail
establishments to establish an in-store plastic bag recycling program. The program must include specific labeling on the
bags, recycling bins available to customers for bag drop-off and provide reusable bags for customers to purchase.
[added 01-23-09]
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Highland Park, IL |
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In November 2011, the Highland Park City Council approved an ordinance that requires all
businesses larger than 10,000 square feet to implement a collection and recycling program for plastic bags. The
businesses must provide one or more recycling containers that are clearly marked near the entrance of the business.
The ordinance went into effect January 1, 2012.
[added 03-07-12]
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Lake County, IL |
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In August 2007, the Governor of Illinois signed the Plastic Bag Bill creating a pilot program
in Lake County requiring retailers over a certain size that give out plastic bags to take the bags back for recycling.
[added 01-23-09]
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Iowa |
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• In January, 2010 a program began across Iowa to encourage grocery shoppers to recycle their plastic bags. The program is called “Build with Bags” and involved a two week promotional period along with the installation of plastic bag recycling barrels near the front of participating stores. This program is a cooperative initiative of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, Keep Iowa Beautiful, Metro Waste Authority in Des Moines, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and The Des Moines Register. The main goals of the program are to double the amount of bags recycled in the next two years, to reduced plastic bag consumption, increase reusable bags use and to encourage the purchase of items made from recycled plastic to be used in parks and schools. [added 03-11-10]
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Marshall County, IA |
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On September 16, 2008, the Marshall County Board of Supervisors voted to require the use of compostable plastic, recyclable paper and/or reusable checkout bags by all retail stores in unincorporated areas of the county. This requirement went into effect on April 9th, 2009. [added 04-09-09] |
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Maine |
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• In 2009, Legislative Document 622 (equivalent to HP 436) was introduced to the Maine Legislature. This bill would require retailers with more than 30,000 square feet of retail sales area to provide a cloth or durable fabric bag to customers at least twice a year. This bill went to committee and was unanimously voted "ought not to pass."
[added 04-02-09]
• In 2009, Legislative Document 367, An Act To Reduce the Amount of Plastic Introduced into the Waste Stream, was introduced. This bill would require retailers to charge $0.10 for each plastic bag given to a customer. The money would be deposited into the Waste Reduction and Recycling Loan Fund. This bill was revised to resolve that the Executive Department, State Planning Office should create a work group, through a partnership with state agencies and other appropriate entities to work to create an overall reduction of disposable checkout bag distribution and waste. This resolution was signed by the governor on May 19, 2009. (Resolve Chapter 54)
[added 11-25-09]
• On November 9, 2009 a campaign encouraging the use of reusable bags to help reduce single use checkout bags by 33% by 2012 was launched. The campaign is called “Got Your Bags, Maine?” and is sponsored by a coalition of business leaders, grocery and retail associations, governmental organizations and environmental advocates.
[added 09-03-10]
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Maryland |
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• In 2009, House Bill 1210 was introduced to the Maryland Legislature. If enacted, this bill would have required stores to charge and collect a $0.05 fee for each carryout bag (paper or plastic) provided to a customer. Of this fee, $0.01 would be retained by the store if the store did not have a Customer Bag Credit Program or if the store did have such a program then the store could retain $0.02. The remaining amount would be remitted to the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund. The Customer Bag Credit Program is a voluntary program for stores in which the store would pay a customer at least $0.05 for each bag that as provided by the customer. This bill was read in the Environmental Matters Committee but was never moved out of committee. In February 2011, the “Clean the Streams and Beautify the Bay Act of 2011” was introduced to the Maryland Legislature. The bill went to the Environmental Matters and Economic Matters committee for a hearing but no further action was taken. [updated 05-23-11]
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Annapolis, MD |
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In 2007, Annapolis Maryland lawmakers proposed a plastic bag ban. The ban did not pass but an alternative plan passed involving an expanded recycling campaign, encouraging use reduction and free reusable bag giveaways. |
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Baltimore, MD |
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In 2008, two bills were introduced to the Baltimore City Council in order to regulate plastic bag use. Bill 08-0208 proposes levying a 25 cent tax per plastic bag distributed by any retail establishment. Monies collected from the tax would go into the general fund. Bill 08-0205 would prohibit all stores from distributing plastic bags. The next hearing date for both bills was 7/21/2009. Both bills are now in committee and are scheduled for a public hearing to the Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee on 1/5/2010. On March 22, 2010 an ordinance concerning plastic bag reduction passed the Baltimore City Council. This ordinance requires all stores that must have a food service license to register and maintain records with regards to the plastic bag reduction program, to provide a collection bin for the recycling of single-use plastic bags and to provide reusable bags for purchase by customers. Customers at these stores will not be given a single-use plastic bag unless it is specifically requested by the customer.
[updated 05-23-11] |
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Montgomery County, MD |
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On May 3, 2011 the Montgomery County Council in Maryland approved a 5 cent charge on both paper and plastic bags provided by retailers to customers. The tax does not apply to newspaper bags, pharmacy bags, bags intended for garbage or other waste or for any perishable item. The retailers will be able to keep one cent of the tax to cover administration fees. The new tax will take effect on January 1, 2012.
[added 05-23-11] |
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Massachusetts |
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• On March 12, 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Massachusetts Food Association. The Massachusetts Food Association is an industry organization that represents more than 500 individual grocery stores. The MOU sets a goal to see a 33%reduction in the distribution of paper and plastic disposable grocery bags by 2013. This reduction is to be achieved via incentives to customers for reduction in bag demand and increased reusable bag usage, improved recycling of bags at stores and increased recycled content and/or use of biodegradable bags offered for distribution. This effort is voluntary for all stores that are members of the Massachusetts Food Association. In December 2011, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection announced that the MOU goal of a 33%reduction in the distribution of paper and plastic disposable grocery bags had been reached. The voluntary initiative included 12 supermarket chains which accounts for more than 66% of all grocery stores in the state. [added 03-26-09 updated 3-7-12]
• In January 2009, House Bill 719, “An Act Relative to Plastic Bag Reduction,” was introduced to the Massachusetts Legislature. If enacted this bill would have required stores grossing more than $2,000,000 annually to provide only recyclable paper bags, compostable plastic bags or reusable bags to customer. This bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. A public hearing was held on this bill on May 14, 2009.
• In January 2009, House Bill 798, “An Act relative to decreasing environmental hazards, toxins and litter,” was introduced to the Massachusetts legislature. This bill calls for the responsible reduction of plastic carryout bags by prohibiting any store with a gross income of more than $500,000 in the previous tax year from providing plastic carryout bags to consumers. This bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. A public hearing was held on this bill on May 14, 2009.
• In January 2009, House Bill 2686, “An Act relative to an excise on plastic carryout bags in supermarkets,” was introduced to the Massachusetts legislature. This bill would excise $0.05, per plastic carryout bag provided to customers, from any supermarket with a gross income of more than $1,000,000 in the previous tax year. The funds excised would be credited to the General Fund. This bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Revenue. A public hearing was held on this bill on April 12, 2009.
• In January 2009, Senate Bill 395, “An Act relative to the responsible reduction in the use of plastic bags,” was introduced to the Massachusetts legislature. This bill would prohibit any store located or doing business in Massachusetts from giving, providing or making available plastic carryout bags to consumers. This bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. A public hearing was held on this bill on May 14, 2009.
• In January 2009, Senate Bill 1284, “An Act relative to the selection and use of plastic bags in certain stores,” was introduced to the Massachusetts legislature. This bill would require every store to pay to the commissioner an excise equal to $0.02 per plastic carryout bag provided to customers. This bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Revenue. A public hearing was held on this bill on April 12, 2009. [added 08-03-09]
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Boston, MA |
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In late 2007, Boston, Massachusetts lawmakers proposed both a ban and a required collection and recycling plan. None of the proposals passed but most grocery stores accept plastic bags for recycling. |
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Plymouth, MA |
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The Board of Health in Plymouth Massachusetts reviewed a proposed ban on plastic bags in late 2008. The board ultimately decided not to pass the ban. [added 05-22-09] |
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Sturbridge, MA |
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In 2008, the Board of Selectmen, in Sturbridge Massachusetts, sponsored an article that, if passed, would create an ordinance banning stores within the city limits from dispensing plastic shopping bags. The article specified that the ban would only affect stores of 35,000 square feet or larger, which in Sturbridge, would be three stores. At a town meeting in April 2008, the article was voted down. [added 05-22-09] |
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Michigan |
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• In December 2008, bill number SB 1611 was introduced in the Michigan legislation. If enacted the bill would phase out the retail distribution of “noncompostable plastic carryout bags” by 2012. This bill was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs on 11/6/2008. The bill remained in committee at session adjournment. [updated
11-25-09] |
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Minnesota |
| |
• HF0041 was introduced to the Minnesota State Legislature in January 2009. If enacted, this bill would require in-store recycling programs for plastic carryout bags. Additionally, manufacturers of plastic carryout bags would be required, if requested by store operators, to make arrangements for collection, transport, and recycling of all plastic carryout bags and other film plastic that is collected as part of the in-store recycling program. This bill was referred to the Environment Policy and Oversight Committee where it stayed until legislative adjournment.
• HF403 (companion SF0383) was introduced to the Minnesota State Legislature in January 2009. If enacted, this bill would not only require that any bag or container used to deliver yard waste to a yard waste compost facility be compostable but also require specific labeling for all compostable, biodegradable, and degradable plastic bags, including those used in retail stores. The bill was referred to a number of committees and ended up in the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division Committee at legislative adjournment.
• HF576 (companion SF267) was introduced to the Minnesota State Legislature in January 2009. If enacted this bill would have required in-store recycling programs for all plastic carryout bags and have required labeling of plastic carryout bags to say “Please Reuse or Recycle at a Participating Store.” This bill was referred to the Environment Policy and Oversight Committee where it remained at legislative adjournment.
• SF383 was introduced to the Minnesota State Legislature in 2009. This bill requires that plastic bags used for yard waste or source-separated compostable materials meet ASTM Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics. Additionally, this bill requires that until standards are created, plastic bags sold in the state of Minnesota may not be labeled as biodegradable or degradable. Any bags labeled as compostable must meet the ASTM Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics and labeled to reflect that the bag meets the standard. This bill was added to HF2123 and was signed by the governor in May 2009. [added 08-04-09] |
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Missouri |
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• In 2009, Senate Bill 340 was introduced to the Missouri General Assembly. If enacted this bill would require stores to only provide recyclable paper bags, compostable plastic bags, reusable bags or any combination of the three. This bill was referred to the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee on 2/11/09. The bill remained in committee at session adjournment. [updated 11-25-09] |
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Nevada |
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• In 2009, Senate Bill 397 was introduced in the Nevada State Legislature. This bill, if passed, would establish a Plastic Bag Environmental Cleanup Fund and impose both a fee and a ban on certain types of bags. Customers would pay a fee on non-biodegradable and on non-compostable plastic bags from October 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011. Beginning July 1, 2011, all non-biodegradable and non-compostable plastic bags would be banned from distribution. This bill was referred to the Commerce and Labor committee and was not heard again as of session adjournment. [updated 11-25-09] |
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New Hampshire |
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• In 2008, both the House and the Senate of New Hampshire passed “A Resolution Encouraging the Use of Reusable Shopping Bags.” This resolution encourages both consumers and retailers alike to switch to reusable bags. The resolution was promoted by a group of teenagers from Hanover, New Hampshire as part of the group “Kids for a Cooler Planet.” [added
08-17-09] |
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New Jersey |
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• In November 2011, a bill was introduced to the New Jersey Legislature that, if enacted,
would impose a 10cent fee on plastic carryout bags starting in January 2013 and by January 2015 require that all stores provide
only compostable plastic bags or recyclable paper bags to customers. At this time the bill has been referred to the Senate
Environment and Energy Committee.
[added 03-07-12]
• In 2007, New Jersey lawmakers proposed a ban on retail bags, the ban was not passed during the 2008 session.
• In November 2009, “The Plastic Carryout Bag Reduction Act” was introduced to the New Jersey Assembly. The act would impose
a $0.02 fee on every plastic carryout bag provided to a customer and require stores to provide the opportunity for customers to
purchase a reusable bag. This act has been referred to the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.
[added 01-14-10]
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New York |
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• The state of New York passed legislation in 2008 to require all large grocery store chains and retailers to implement recycling of plastic bags.
• In 2009, Senate Bill 544 was introduced to the New York State Legislature. This bill would require retail businesses to restrict the use of non-compostable plastic bags by 50%of their current use volume by 2012. The bill goes on to completely ban non-compostable plastic bags by 2014.
• In 2009, Assembly Bill 6537 was introduced to the New York State Legislature. This bill would enact a tax on plastic shopping bags that are used to transport every sale of tangible personal property by consumers. The tax would be $0.15 (fifteen cents) per plastic bag.
• In 2009, Assembly Bill 6070 was introduced to the New York State Legislature. This bill would effectively ban plastic bags at retail stores by requiring that all stores provide only paper, compostable plastic and/or reusable bags as checkout bags.
• In 2009, Assembly Bill 6937 was introduced to the New York State Assembly. If passed, this bill would establish a state commission to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the reduction of improper disposal of plastic and paper merchandise bags.
• In April 2009, a bill (AB7844/SB4866) was introduced to the Assembly and Senate proposing a five cent tax on plastic carryout bags. The tax would apply to all stores located within cities with populations exceeding 1 million. The bill has been forwarded to the Committee on Cities.
• In April 2009, Senate Bill 5067 was introduced to the New York State Legislature. This bill would enact a $0.05 (five cent) sales tax on all plastic shopping bags. The first $75 million generated from the tax would be deposited in an environmental fund. The remaining monies would be deposited into the NY State General Fund. This bill has been referred to the Investigations and Government Operations Committee.
[added
07-15-09]
• In 2009, Senate Bill 4595 was introduced to the New York State Legislature. If passed this bill would amend the 2008 law that requires all large grocery store chains and retailers to implement recycling of plastic bags. The amendment would, among other things, remove preemption for local laws enacted by a city of one million or more. In April 2009 the bill was referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee.
• Assembly Bill 6144 was introduced to the New York State Legislature in 2009. If passed, this bill would require store operators to pay customers at least $0.02 per carryout bag brought in by the customer to carry out goods purchased. This bill was referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee in February 2009. [added 08-04-09]
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Albany County, NY |
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Albany County, in New York State passed an in-store recycling program for plastic bags in March of 2008. This program requires stores to have collection bins and to recycle the bags. [added
01-23-09] |
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Nassau County, NY |
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In Nassau County, a county on Long Island in New York, a local plastic bag reduction and recycling law was passed in June 2008. This law requires that plastic bags be labeled with specific language, requires stores to have a bin for collection and to recycle the bags. [added
01-23-09] |
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New York City, NY |
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In 2008, the New York City Council passed a bill requiring retail chains and large stores to collect and recycling plastic retail bags. |
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Rockland County, NY |
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In May 2008, the County Legislature in Rockland County, New York passed a law requiring stores to recycle plastic bags and plastic film, have collection bins available customer use and make reusable bags available for purchase.
[added 01-23-09] |
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Rye, NY |
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In December 2011, the Rye City Council approved an ordinance that bans thin, two-handled
plastic bags from being distributed to customers at local stores at the point of sale. Bags exempted from the ordinance
include produce-type bags, garment bags, bags 28”x36”or larger, and durable plastic bags at least 2.25mils thick. The
ordinance goes into effect on May 7, 2012.
[added 03-07-12] |
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Southampton Village, NY |
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Southampton Village, a municipality on Long Island has passed an ordinance banning non-biodegradable bags. The ban requires all grocery, retail stores and restaurants to provide only re-useable or recyclable bags to customers. The measure will be effective in September 2011.
[added 05-23-11] |
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Suffolk County, NY |
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Suffolk County, in New York State, passed a carryout bag reduction and recycling initiative in 2007. |
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Ulster County, NY |
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Local Law No. 3 of 2009 was introduced to the Legislature of the County of Ulster to impose a minimum fee of $0.10 for each plastic bag provided to customers at the point of sale. The measure was referred to the Environmental Committee and a public hearing was held May 6, 2009. A number of proposed changes were offered at the public meeting and the proposed law was sent back to the Environmental Committee for reconsideration. [added 08-04-09] |
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Westchester County, NY |
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In October 2008, a law went into effect in Westchester County New York that requires all retailers that provide plastic carry-out bags to customers to have a collection bin and to recycle the bags. [added
01-23-09] |
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North Carolina |
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• In 2009, House Bill 1288 was introduced to the North Carolina Legislature. If enacted, this bill would increase the state goal for plastic bag recycling from 25%to 75%and require retailers to provide in-store recycling. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurships as of April 9, 2009. [added 08-04-09]
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Outer Banks, NC |
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In 2009, Senate Bill 1018 (equivalent to House Bill 810) was introduced to the North Carolina General Assembly. The bill originally would have banned all retail stores from providing plastic bags to customers and would allow paper bags to be given away only if the paper bag is recyclable. The bill was revised to only ban retail stores in the Outer Banks of North Carolina from distributing plastic bags to customers and allows paper bags to be given away only if the bag is made of recycled content. The bill was signed into law on 6/24/2009.
[added 07-24-09]
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Ohio |
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• For Earth Day 2009, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Ohio Grocers Association (OGA) announced the cooperative Plastic Bag Recycling Program. The OGA will provide recycling bins to its retail members in order to collect plastic from consumers and to recycle pallet and shrink wrap.
[added 06-04-09] |
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Oregon |
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Portland |
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In July 2010, the Portland City Council issued a resolution regarding banning plastic bags. The resolution urges the passage of a statewide ban on plastic bags in the 2011 Legislative session and commits the city to pursuing an ordinance in 2011 if the state bill fails.
[updated 09-03-10] |
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Pennsylvania |
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• In May 2009, Senate Bill 864 was introduced in the state legislature. The bill proposes a $0.02 (two cent) tax on all plastic retail bags from retail establishments that gross over $1,000,000 in sales per year. Proceeds from this tax would be divided equally between the State and the retail establishments in order for each to fund programs that would improve recycling practices and education. This bill has been forwarded to the Committee on Finances. [added 07-15-09]
• Senate Bill 609 was introduced to the Pennsylvania Legislature in 2009. This bill, if enacted, would prohibit grocery stores from providing consumers with paper and plastic bags. The bill was referred to the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on March 19, 2009. [added 08-04-09]
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Philadelphia |
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In February 2009, bill 090074 was introduced to the City of Philadelphia Council. This bill if it had been enacted would have banned supermarkets and pharmacies from providing bags other than recyclable paper bags, compostable plastic bags or reusable bags. This bill was referred to the Committee on the Environment and two hearings were held. The bill was read but did not pass the Council vote on June 18, 2009. [added 08-04-09]
In 2009, bill 090075 was presented to the City Council of Philadelphia that would enact a $0.25 (twenty-five cent) fee on all plastic bags received by a customer at retail stores within the city. Large businesses, with more than $1 million in annual sales, would send 75%of the fees back to the city while smaller businesses would be able to keep the money. This bill was referred to the Committee on the Environment and a public hearing was held on June 10, 2009. It is in council for a second reading. [added
11-25-09]
On 11/19/09 a resolution titled “Calling on All Philadelphia Retail Stores to Implement Plastic Bag Recycling” was introduced to the City Council of Philadelphia. This resolution is currently “in council” or ready for consideration by the council. [added
11-25-09] |
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Rhode Island |
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• In 2004, the state of Rhode Island established a statewide voluntary recycling program for plastic bags. This program utilized an anti-litter campaign called “Why Knot.” This campaign encouraged residents to tie plastic bags into knots to reduce the likelihood that the bags would become litter. In 2008 the legislation was amended to expand the program to all large retailers, require reporting and to expand the products accepted for recycling.
• Senate Bill 804 was introduced to the Rhode Island Legislature in January 2009. If enacted, this bill would require retail establishments to provide a $0.05 per bag rebate for every reusable bag a customer provides in order to carry purchases from the establishment. Additionally, retailers would be required to charge a $0.15 fee per plastic bag provided to customers in order to carry purchases from the establishment. This bill was referred to the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee on March 24, 2009.
• In 2008, House Bill 7630 was introduced to the Rhode Island Legislature. The bill would have promoted paper bag usage by imposing a tax equal to $0.01 per plastic bag used by consumers for grocery or other purchases. This bill was referred to the House Finance Committee and in May 2008 the committee recommended the measure be held for further study. [added 08-04-09] |
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Texas |
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• In February 2009, House Bill 1361 was filed in the Texas legislature. This bill, if enacted would impose a seven (7) cent fee for certain plastic bags provided to customers by retailers. Retailers would retain part of the money and the rest would go to fund a Local Recycling Program Assistance Account. In March 2009, the bill was referred to the “Ways & Means” committee where the bill was left pending as of April 22, 2009.
• Senate Bill 338 was filed in late 2008 with the Texas legislature. If enacted, this bill would place requirements upon businesses with more than 51 employees that offer plastic checkout bags to customers. These requirements would include offering a reusable bag for sale at a reasonable price, asking customers if they would like to purchase a reusable bag before offering the customer a plastic checkout bag and having a recycling program for those plastic checkout bags. The bill also provides for civil and administrative penalties for those businesses that do not comply with the requirements. In April 2009, the bill went to the Business and Commerce Committee and was passed and then referred to the Environmental Regulation Committee. In May 2009, the bill was left pending in that committee. [added 06-04-09]
• House Bill 3427, introduced to the Texas Legislature in 2009, would have required businesses or shopping malls that offer plastic checkout bags to customers to offer reusable bags at a reasonable price for sale to customer and establish in-store checkout bag recycling programs. The bill also required the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to establish an online clearinghouse of information relating to the use and recycling of plastic checkout bags as well as to conduct a study. This study would have been to examine the impact the previously mentioned requirements would have on businesses and the environment, to determine what happens to plastic checkout bags after they are collected in bins at the in-store recycling programs, to determine how many businesses are collecting the plastic checkout bags and recycling them and to determine the feasibility and costs to businesses of using alternative material checkout bags. This bill was left pending in the House Environmental Regulation Committee at Legislative adjournment. [added 08-04-09]
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Austin, TX |
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In 2007, the city of Austin passed a voluntary use reduction and recycling of plastic bags program. Since that time, the retailers have reported a 40%reduction in the use of plastic bags as well as a 20%increase in recycling of plastic bags at the stores participating. In March 2012, the Austin City Council approved a ban on single-use paper and plastic bags. Food banks are exempted from the ban as are the plastic bags used by dry cleaners. The ban is effective beginning in March 2013.
[added 01-23-09 updated 3-7-12]
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Brownsville, TX |
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The Brownsville City Commission voted unanimously on January 5, 2010 to ban plastic grocery bags in the city. The ban is voluntary in 2010 and mandatory starting January 1, 2011. [added
03-11-10] |
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Vermont |
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• In 2009, House Bill 262 was introduced to the General Assembly. This bill would enact a $0.17 tax on each plastic bag purchased or received during a retail transaction in Vermont. If passed, the tax will go into effect on January 1, 2010.
• In 2009, Senate Bill 33 was introduced to the General Assembly. This bill would enact a $0.03 tax on each plastic bag purchased or received during a retail transaction in Vermont. If passed, the tax will go into effect on January 1, 2010.
[added
03-16-09]
• In 2008, both the House and the Senate of Vermont passed a joint resolution that supported the Hanover High School Kids for a Cooler Planet reusable shopping bag campaign. This resolution encourages both consumers and retailers alike to switch to reusable bags. The resolution was promoted by a group of teenagers from Hanover, New Hampshire as part of the group “Kids for a Cooler Planet.”
[added
08-17-09] |
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Virginia |
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• In 2009, state legislative bills that would have either banned disposable plastic bags from being distributed to customers or place a fee on the bags were all pulled by their sponsors. [added 05-22-09]
• House Bill 1814 (same as SB873) was filed with the Virginia Legislature in January 2009. If enacted the bill would have banned the use of plastic carryout bags by retailers at the point of sale unless the bags were durable plastic bags with handles, at least 2.25 mils thick and were specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse. This bill was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources where it left at Legislative adjournment.
• House Bill 2010 was filed with the Virginia Legislature in January 2009. If enacted the bill would have imposed a fee of $0.05 on paper and plastic bags used by customers to carry items from the place of purchase. Durable, reusable plastic bags and bags used for ice cream, meat, fish, and poultry would have been exempt from the fee. The revenues raised by the fee would have been deposited in the Water Quality Improvement Fund. This bill was referred to the Committee Finance where it left at Legislative adjournment.
• Senate Bill 971 was filed with the Virginia Legislature in January 2009. If enacted the bill would have required on-premises recycling for plastic bags be available at stores that are part of a chain or occupy more than 5,000 square feet and distribute plastic bags to consumers. This bill was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources it was stricken at the request of a Patron in Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources.
•
Senate Joint Resolution 445 was offered February 13, 2009. This resolution commended Farm Fresh Food and Pharmacy for its exceptional environmental leadership and its commitment to reducing plastic bag use by encouraging customers to switch to reusable bags.
[added 08-04-09]
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Washington |
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• House Bill 1189 was introduced to the
Washington Legislature in January 2009. The bill, if it had been
enacted, would have banned retail stores from providing free carryout
bags unless the carryout bags were compostable plastic, recyclable paper
or reusable. This bill would also have pre-empted any local city, town,
county or municipality within the state from enacting more restrictive
laws on retail bags. This bill was referred to the House Committee on
Environmental Health where it failed to receive action at a final public
hearing. [added 08-04-09]
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Edmonds, WA |
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In July 2009, the City Council of Edmonds, Washington voted unanimously to ban retail establishments from distributing single use plastic bags. The ordinance is effective August 27, 2009. [added
08-17-09] |
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Seattle, WA |
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In July 2008, the City Council of Seattle passed a $0.20 “green fee” on all disposable shopping bags, including paper and plastic, starting in 2009. This fee was then placed on hold until August 2009, when a city-wide vote allowed Seattle voters to vote for or against the “green fee.” On August 18, 2009 the “green fee” was voted down 58%to 42%.
In December 2011, the Seattle City Council unanimously voted to ban grocery, retail and convenience stores from distributing thin-filmed plastic bags and imposed a five-cent fee on paper bags. Plastic bags are still allowed for produce, bulk foods, meats and takeout food. Additionally, the ban exempts food banks and farmers’ markets and eliminates the five-cent fee for those using the state “Basic Food” cards assistance program. This measure will be effective on July 1, 2012.
[updated 03-07-12] |
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West Virginia |
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• In January 2012, a bill was introduced to the West Virginia Legislature that would levy
an excise tax on plastic shopping bags at grocery, drug and convenience stores. The tax would charge stores five cents for each
plastic shopping bag provided to customers. According to the bill, the tax could not be passed on to customers and must be the
sole responsibility of the store. At this time the bill has been referred to the Committee on Finance.
[updated 03-07-12]
• In 2008, a ban on plastic bags from retail establishments was proposed in the state of West Virginia. The bill was not
passed during the 2008 session.
• In March 2009, House Bill 3058 was introduced to the West Virginia Legislature. If enacted this bill would phase out the
use of light plastic bags by July 1, 2012. Retailers would be required to provide customers with compostable bags, label bags to
return to the store for recycling and place recycling bins for customer use or make reusable bags available for purchase. This
bill was referred to the Energy, Industry and Labor, Economic Development and Small Business Committee.
[added 08-04-09] |
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Wisconsin |
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• In March 2009, Assembly Bill 170 was introduced to the Wisconsin Legislature. If enacted this bill would ban retail stores from providing any bag for a customer’s purchase unless that bag is a compostable plastic bag, a cloth or plastic bag intended for multiple reuses or a recyclable paper bag. This bill was referred to the Committee on Jobs, the Economy and Small Business. [added 08-04-09]
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Madison, WI |
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In June, 2009, Madison City Council approved a bill that requires city residents to recycle plastic bags at one of thirteen city run collection sites or at businesses that already recycle plastic bags. The city hopes to add curb-side plastic bag recycling within the next 3 years. [added 07-24-09] |
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Information about retail bag regulation activities is changing constantly. We welcome your input. If you have additional sources, or updates to
current information on this website, please email
Jill.R.Scarborough@dep.state.fl.us. |
Retail Bags Report - List of Retail Bag Policies - USA