Vermont Statewide Rule
Vermont Plastic Carryout Bag Ban Under Act 69
Key Facts
- Authority
- Authority: Act 69 of 2019, 10 V.S.A. chapter 159
- Single-use Plastic Bags
- Single-use plastic bags banned statewide
- Paper Bag Minimum
- Paper bag minimum 10-cent fee
- Effective July 1,
- Effective July 1, 2020
- Produce Meat Bags
- Produce and meat bags exempt
Summary
Vermont banned single-use plastic carryout bags statewide effective July 1, 2020 under Act 69 of 2019, with paper bag fees and exemptions for certain uses.
§ 6692. Single-use plastic carryout bags; prohibition A store or food service establishment shall not provide a single-use plastic carryout bag to a customer. (Added 2019, No. 69, § 2, eff. July 1, 2020.)
Full Breakdown
Act 69 of 2019, codified at 10 V.S.A. chapter 159, prohibits stores and food service establishments from providing single-use plastic carryout bags at point of sale. Retailers may provide recycled paper bags for a minimum 10-cent fee, which is retained by the store. Reusable bags are encouraged. Exemptions apply to bags used for produce, bulk items, meat, fish, frozen foods, prescription medications, dry cleaning, and newspapers. The law also bans expanded polystyrene food service containers and restricts plastic stirrers and straws. The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources oversees enforcement and education.
Violations & Penalties
Retailers violating the bag ban face civil penalties up to $200 per day after notice and opportunity to comply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are plastic shopping bags legal at Vermont stores?
Why do Vermont stores charge for paper bags?
Sources
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