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.
RI HB 5469 prohibits retail and grocery stores from providing single-use plastic carryout bags at checkout. Effective January 1, 2024, Providence retailers may only distribute recyclable paper bags (with at least 40% post-consumer content) or reusable bags meeting durability standards. Stores may charge for bags; the state law does not mandate a specific fee. Exemptions include produce bags, bulk-item bags, newspaper bags, and pharmacy prescription bags. Restaurants providing takeout fall under the same rule. Providence had its own bag ordinance prior to 2024, which is now superseded by the broader state law.
Retailers distributing banned plastic bags face state DEM warnings followed by escalating civil fines per violation under HB 5469.
See how Providence's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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