Plastic Bag Rules: Pawtucket vs Providence
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Pawtucket, RI and Providence, RI?
Pawtucket has fewer restrictions than Providence.
Pawtucket, RI
Providence County
Rhode Island enacted a statewide plastic carryout bag ban effective January 1, 2024 under RIGL Chapter 23-92, the Plastic Waste Reduction Act, prohibiting most single-use plastic checkout bags at retail stores.
View full Pawtucket rules →Providence, RI
Providence County
Rhode Island's Plastic Waste Reduction Act (HB 5469, 2022) banned single-use plastic checkout bags statewide effective January 1, 2024; Providence retailers must offer recyclable paper or reusable bags only.
View full Providence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pawtucket | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Effective | - | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Statute | - | RI HB 5469 |
| Allowed | - | Paper or reusable bags |
| Exempt | - | Produce, prescription bags |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Pawtucket FAQ
Providence FAQ
Are paper bags free in Providence?
Not necessarily. State law allows retailers to charge for paper or reusable bags but does not mandate a specific fee.
Does the ban apply to restaurants?
Yes. Restaurants and food establishments cannot distribute banned plastic bags for takeout, though produce and prescription exemptions still apply.
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