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Burlington, VT Single-Use Items: Plastic Bag Rules (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Effective
July 1, 2020
Statute
VT Act 69 of 2019
Paper bag fee
10 cents minimum
Scope
Statewide
Enforcer
VT Attorney General

Summary

Vermont Act 69 of 2019 bans single-use plastic carryout bags at retail stores statewide, including Burlington. Stores must offer recycled paper or reusable bags, with a minimum charge per paper bag.

§ 6692. SINGLE-USE PLASTIC CARRYOUT BAGS; PROHIBITION. A store or food service establishment shall not provide a single-use plastic carryout bag to a customer. § 6693. RECYCLABLE PAPER CARRYOUT BAG (a) A store or food service establishment may provide a consumer a recyclable paper carryout bag at the point of sale if the bag is provided to the consumer for a charge of not less than $0.10 per bag. (b) All monies collected by a store or food service establishment under this section for provision of a recyclable paper carryout bag shall be retained by the store or food service establishment. § 6699... beginning on July 1, 2020, [these requirements] shall be applied uniformly in the State and shall occupy the entire field of regulation... A municipal ordinance, bylaw, or charter... is preempted by the requirements of this subchapter.

Source: City of Burlington Code of OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Effective July 1, 2020, Vermont Act 69 prohibits stores and food service establishments from providing single-use plastic carryout bags at the point of sale. The law applies to all Burlington retailers including grocery stores, the Church Street Marketplace shops, and pharmacies. Recycled paper bags are permitted but require a minimum 10 cent charge per bag, retained by the retailer. Reusable bags remain unrestricted. The ban does not apply to produce bags, meat packaging, prescription bags, or bags for live animals. Violations are enforced by the Vermont Attorney General.

Violations & Fines

Retailers providing banned plastic bags face civil penalties of up to several hundred dollars per day enforced by the Vermont Attorney General's office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own reusable bag?
Yes. Reusable bags brought from home are unrestricted and encouraged at all Burlington retail and grocery stores.
Are produce bags banned too?
No. Thin plastic produce, meat packaging, and prescription bags are exempt from the Vermont single-use plastic bag ban.

Sources & Official References

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All Burlington rules

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