Delaware Code Title 7 Section 6062 bans most single-use plastic carryout bags at large retailers statewide. Wilmington stores must offer paper, reusable, or compliant alternatives instead, with penalties for repeat violations.
Delaware's single-use plastic carryout bag law (DE 7 §6062), originally effective in 2021 and tightened in 2022, prohibits stores at or above the size threshold from providing thin-film plastic carryout bags. Covered retailers must offer reusable bags, paper bags, or other approved alternatives. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) enforces, and Wilmington stores are fully covered. Some uses (produce, meat, dry cleaning) are exempt. The law preempts inconsistent local ordinances.
DNREC issues warnings then escalating civil penalties up to $500 per day per location for continuing violations.
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See how Wilmington's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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