Connecticut Statewide Rule

Connecticut Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Connecticut (2026)

Key Facts

Public Act: Public Act 19-117 enacted in 2019
Statewide Ban: Statewide ban effective July 2021
Fees: Ten-cent fee preceded full prohibition
Exceptions: Paper and reusable bags exempt
Local Stricter: Local stricter measures permitted

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: State of Connecticut

Summary

Public Act 19-117 banned single-use plastic checkout bags statewide effective July 2021 after a transitional ten-cent fee period under CGS Title 22a.

(c) On and after July 1, 2021, no owner or operator of a store shall provide or sell a single-use checkout bag to a customer. (d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a municipality from enacting or enforcing an ordinance concerning single-use checkout bags made of plastic, provided such ordinance is as restrictive or more restrictive as the provisions of this section concerning the provision or selling of such bags to customers by stores. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a municipality from enacting or enforcing an ordinance concerning single-use checkout bags made of paper, including, but not limited to, enabling each store to charge a fee for any such bag distributed to a customer. (P.A. 19-117, S. 355.)

Source: State of ConnecticutView official code

Full Breakdown

Public Act 19-117, codified in CGS Section 22a-246a, established a phased approach to single-use plastic bag elimination. From August 2019 through June 2021, retailers collected a 10-cent fee per single-use plastic checkout bag, remitting proceeds to the state. Effective July 1, 2021, the sale or distribution of single-use plastic checkout bags by stores is prohibited. Paper and reusable bags remain permitted. The ban applies uniformly statewide and supersedes earlier local bag ordinances, though municipalities may enact stricter measures.

Violations & Penalties

Retailers distributing prohibited single-use plastic bags face penalties enforced by the Department of Revenue Services under PA 19-117.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are plastic bags banned in all Connecticut stores?

Yes. Single-use plastic checkout bags have been prohibited at retail since July 2021 statewide.

Can stores still charge for paper bags?

Yes. Many retailers charge for paper bags, and local ordinances may impose additional fees.

Sources

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