Vermont Plastic Carryout Bag Ban Under Act 69

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.

Retailers violating the bag ban face civil penalties up to $200 per day after notice and opportunity to comply.