Rhode Island Statewide Plastic Bag Ban Under RIGL Chapter 23-92

RIGL Chapter 23-92, the Plastic Waste Reduction Act, took effect January 1, 2024 and prohibits retailers from providing single-use plastic carryout bags at the point of sale. Retailers may offer recyclable paper bags, reusable bags meeting durability standards, or compostable bags meeting ASTM specifications. The law preempts conflicting local ordinances but preserves stricter local rules adopted before the effective date in many cases. Exemptions include bags for produce, meat, bulk goods, prescriptions, and dry cleaning. Retailers may charge customers for permitted alternative bags. Department of Environmental Management oversees enforcement with civil penalties for violations.

Retailers providing prohibited single-use plastic carryout bags face civil penalties under Chapter 23-92 enforcement provisions, with escalating fines for repeat violations administered by DEM.