Rhode Island Statewide Rule
Rhode Island Statewide Plastic Bag Ban Under RIGL Chapter 23-92
Key Facts
- Statewide Ban
- Statewide ban effective January 1, 2024
- RIGL Chapter
- RIGL Chapter 23-92 governs
- Paper Reusable
- Paper, reusable, compostable bags allowed
- Produce Prescription
- Produce and prescription bags exempt
- DEM Enforces
- DEM enforces with civil penalties
Summary
Rhode Island enacted a statewide plastic carryout bag ban effective January 1, 2024 under RIGL Chapter 23-92, the Plastic Waste Reduction Act, prohibiting most single-use plastic checkout bags at retail stores.
§ 23-19.18-3. Prohibition on single-use plastic bag distribution. (a) Retail sales establishments are prohibited from making available any bag that is not a reusable bag or recyclable paper bag, as defined by this chapter. Recyclable cardboard boxes, as defined in this chapter, may also be made available. This prohibition precludes providing any single-use plastic checkout bag or any paper checkout bag that is not a recyclable paper bag or a paper carryout bag at restaurants.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Penalties
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Rhode Island's plastic bag ban take effect?
Can stores still charge for paper bags?
Sources
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