Rhode Island Bag Legislations

Statewide Legislation

Status Pending
Status Date January 08, 2020
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Details:
  • "Recyclable paper bag" means a paper bag that is one hundred percent (100%) recyclable including the handles, contains at least forty percent (40%) post-consumer paper content, and displays the words "Recyclable" and the percentage of post-consumer paper content in a visible manner on the outside of the bag. The term "recyclable paper bag" does not include paper carryout bags at restaurants.
Reusable Definition Reusable bag means a bag with handles which are stitched and that is specifically designed and manufactured for one hundred twenty-five (125) or more reuses, and is made primarily of washable cloth, other durable woven or non-woven fabric, polyester, polypropylene, or other durable plastic with a minimum thickness of four (4.0) mils.
Stores Affected
Retail sales establishment means any licensed enterprise where the sale or transfer to a customer of goods in exchange for payment occurs in a retail store, flea market, or restaurant or other food service establishment. Retail sales establishments do not include farmers' markets, bazaars or festivals operated by nonprofit or ...view more institutions, yard sales, tag sales, or other sales by residents at their homes. view less
Comply Date January 08, 2021
Ordinance LC003320
Links
Updated February 06, 2020

Barrington

Status Approved
Status Date September 30, 2012
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 2.25mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
  • Specific Id Requirements
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Reusable Definition A bag with handles that is specially designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is (1) made of cloth or fabric and /or (2) made of durable plastic that is at least 2.25 mil thick.
Stores Affected
Retail Sales Establishment. Any enterprise whereby the sale or transfer to a customer of goods in exchange for payment occurring in retail stores, farmers' markets, flea markets and restaurants. This does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag sales, other sales by residents at their home, and sales ...view more nonprofit organizations. view less
Fees None
Comply Date January 01, 2013
Ordinance 2012-7
Links
Updated October 02, 2019

Bristol

Status Approved
Status Date October 25, 2021
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Details:
  • Town-wide ban on all polyethylene bags
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Reusable Definition Reusable Carryout Bag. A bag, with handles which are stitched and not heat-fused, that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse. The bag must be made of washable cloth, other durable woven or nonwoven fabric, or durable plastic film that is recyclable plastic with a minimum thickness of four mils.
Stores Affected
Retail Sales Establishment. Any enterprise whereby the sale or transfer to a customer of goods in exchange for payment occurring in retail stores, farmers' markets, flea markets and restaurants. This does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag sales, other sales by residents at their home, and sales ...view more nonprofit organizations. view less
Comply Date January 01, 2020
Ordinance #2018-2, Revising Section 24 adding Artcile V
Links
Updated October 25, 2021

Central Falls

Status Approved
Plastic Summary
Details:
  • City-wide ban on all polyethylene bags
Comply Date April 22, 2020
Updated October 25, 2021

Cranston

Status Approved
Status Date October 25, 2021
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Details:
  • 4.0 mil thickness & not heat fused handles
Paper Summary
Details:
  • Recyclable paper bag" means a paper bag that is fully recyclable overall and contains a minimum of forty (40) percent post-consumer recycled content and contains no old growth fiber. The bag should display the words "reusable" and "recyclable" or the universal recycling logo on the outside of the bag.
Reusable Definition Reusable bag" means a bag, with handles that are stitched and not heat-fused, that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made primarily of cloth or other nonwoven textile or durable plastic with a minimum thickness of four mils.
Stores Affected
"Business establishment" means any commercial enterprise that provides plastic carryout bags to its customers, including sole proprietorships, joint ventures, partnerships, corporations, or any other legal entity, and includes all employees of the business and any independent contractors associated with the business. For the purposes of the ordinance, "business establishment" shall also include farmers' markets. ...view more establishment" does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag sales, other sales by residents at their homes, and sales by nonprofit organizations. view less
Fees None
Comply Date January 01, 2021
Ordinance Ordiance: 2019-14, Code: 8.12.140
Links
Updated October 25, 2021

East Greenwich

Status Approved
Status Date November 25, 2020
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Details:
  • 4.0 mils
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Details:
  • A paper bag that is fully recyclable overall and contains a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled content and contains no old growth fiber.
Reusable Definition Adopted Date: 10/15/2019 A bag, with handles which are stitched and not heatfused, that isspecifically designed and manufactured formultiple reuse. The bag must be made ofwashable cloth, other durable woven or nonwoven fabric, or durable plastic filmthat is recyclable plasticwithaminimum thicknessoffourmils.
Stores Affected Any enterprise whereby the sale or transfer to a customer of goods in exchange for payment occurring in retail stores, farmers' markets, flea markets, and restaurants. This does not include sales of goods at yardsales, tagsales, other sales by residents at their homes, and sales by nonprofit organizations.
Comply Date January 01, 2020
Ordinance 888
Notes https://www.ecode360.com/EA2109/laws/LF1120745.pdf
Links
Updated December 09, 2020

East Providence

Status Approved
Status Date October 07, 2019
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Details:
  • Paper bag means a paper bag that is fully recyclable overall and contains a minimum of 40 percent post-consumer recycled content and contains no old growth fiber.
Reusable Definition Reusable carryout bag means a bag with handles which are stitched and not heat-fused that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse. The bag must be made of washable cloth, other durable woven or non-woven fabric, or durable plastic film that is recyclable plastic with a minimum thickness of four mils.
Stores Affected
Retail sales establishment means any enterprise, person, corporation, partnership, business venture, or vendor that sells or provides merchandise, goods, or materials directly to a customer, whether for or not for profit, including, but not limited to, retail stores, farmers' markets, fleamarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores, liquor stores, seasonal and ...view more businesses, jewelry stores, and household goods stores. This does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag sales, or other sales by residents at their homes. view less
Comply Date November 07, 2019
Ordinance Chapter 7, Article IV
Links
Updated February 03, 2020

Jamestown

Status Approved
Status Date September 18, 2017
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Reusable Definition Reusable Bag means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made primarily of cloth or other nonwoven textile or is constructed of multiple layers for insulation.
Stores Affected
Business establishment means a commercial enterprise that provides carryout bags to its customers, including sole proprietorships, joint ventures, partnerships, corporations, or any other legal entity, and includes employees of the business and any independent contractors assiciated with the business. It does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag ...view more other sales by residence in their homes, and slaes by nonprofit organizations. view less
Comply Date April 22, 2018
Ordinance Chapter 22, environment
Links
Updated October 02, 2019

Middletown

Status Approved
Status Date May 01, 2017
Plastic Summary
Details:
  • Banned
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Reusable Definition Reusable Bag means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made primarily of cloth or other nonwoven textile or is constructed of multiple layers for insulation.
Stores Affected
Business establishment means a commercial enterprise that provides carryout bags to its customers, including sole proprietorships, joint ventures, partnerships, corporations, or any other legal entity, and includes employees of the business and any independent contractors assiciated with the business. It does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag ...view more other sales by residence in their homes, and slaes by nonprofit organizations. view less
Comply Date November 01, 2017
Ordinance 2017-9
Links
Updated October 02, 2019

Narragansett

Status Pending
Updated October 02, 2019

New Shoreham

Status Approved
Status Date December 01, 2017
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Reusable Definition A bag, with handles which are stitched and not heat-fused, that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse. The bag must be made of washable cloth, other durable woven or nonwoven fabric, or durable plastic film that is recyclable plastic with a minimum thickness of four mils.
Stores Affected
Business establishment means a commercial enterprise that provides carryout bags to its customers, including sole proprietorships, joint ventures, partnerships, corporations, or any other legal entity, and includes employees of the business and any independent contractors assiciated with the business. It does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag ...view more other sales by residence in their homes, and slaes by nonprofit organizations. view less
Comply Date January 01, 2018
Links
Updated October 02, 2019

Newport

Status Approved
Status Date March 08, 2017
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Reusable Definition A bag, that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse. Any straps must be stitched and not heat fused. The bag must be made of washable cloth, other durable woven or nonwoven fabric, or durable plastic with a minimum thickness of four mils.
Stores Affected
Any commercial enterprise, including sole proprietorships, joint ventures, partnerships, corporations, or any other legal entity, and includes all employees of the business and any independent contractors associated with the business. Business establishment does not include the sale of goods at yard sales, tag sales and other sales by residents at ...view more homes. view less
Comply Date November 01, 2017
Links
Updated October 02, 2019

North Kingston

Status Approved
Status Date July 30, 2018
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Details:
  • Recyclable Paper Bag means a paper bag that is fully recyclable overall and contains a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled content and contains no old growth fiber. The bag should display the words Reusable and Recyclable on the outside of the bag.
Reusable Definition Reusable Bag means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made primarily of cloth, other nonwoven textile or durable plastic with a minimum thickness of four (4) mils. Any straps or handles shall be stitched. If the bag does not have handles, it must be stitched at the point of carry.
Stores Affected
Business Establishment is any commercial enterprise that provides carryout bags to its customers, including sole proprietorships, joint ventures, partnerships, corporations, or any other legal entity and including all employees of the business and any independent contractors associated with the business. Business Establishment does not include sales of goods at yard ...view more tag sales, other sales by residents at their homes, and sales by nonprofit organizations. view less
Comply Date January 01, 2019
Ordinance #18-14 adding Artcile XVI, section 9
Links
Updated October 02, 2019

Portsmouth

Status Approved
Status Date February 26, 2018
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Details:
  • A paper bag that is fully recyclable overall and contains a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled content and contains no old growth fiber. The bag should display the words reusable and recyclable or the universal recycling logo on the outside of the bag.
Reusable Definition A bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made primarily of cloth or other nonwoven textile or durable plastic with a minimum thickness of four mils. Any straps must be stitched and not heat fused.
Stores Affected
Any commercial enterprise that provides carryout bags to its customers, including sole proprietorships, joint ventures, partnerships, corporations, or any other legal entity and includes all employees of the business and any independent contractors associated with the business. Business establishment does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag sales, ...view more sales by residents at their homes, and sales by nonprofit organizations. view less
Comply Date September 01, 2018
Ordinance 2018-3-12, Chapter 326, Article VI
Notes 4/5/2017 Reviewed at City Council meeting. This has been post poned indefinitely. 3/9/2017 Intial presentation of the Newport Ordinance and the draft Middletown ordinance in the month of April
Updated October 02, 2019

Providence

Status Approved
Status Date April 22, 2019
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Details:
  • Means a paper bag that is one hundred percent (100%) recyclable including the handles, contains at least forty percent (40%) post-consumer paper content, and displays the words Recyclable and made from 40% post-consumer recycled content (or other applicable amount) in a visible manner on the outside of the bag.
Reusable Definition Means a bag specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse, with handles which are stitched and not heat-fused. The bag shall not be made of any non-recycled plastic
Stores Affected
Means any person, corporation, partnership, business venture, or vendor that sells or provides merchandise, goods, or materials directly to a customer, whether for or not for profit, including but not limited to restaurants pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores, liquor stores, seasonable and temporary businesses, jewelry stores, and household goods stores. ...view more establishment does not include sales by residents at their homes. view less
Comply Date November 22, 2019
Ordinance Chapter 12,section 20
Links
Updated October 02, 2019

South Kingstown

Status Approved
Status Date June 29, 2018
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Details:
  • A paper bag that is fully recyclable overall and contains a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled content and contains no old growth fiber. The bag should display the words Reusable and Recyclable or the universal recycling log on the outside of the bag.
Reusable Definition Reusable bag: A bag, with handles that are stitched and not heat fused, that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made primarily of cloth or other nonwoven textile or durable plastic with a minimum thickness of four mils.
Stores Affected
Business establishment Any commercial enterprise that provides plastic carryout bags to its customers, including sole proprietorships, joint ventures, partnerships, corporations, or any other legal entity and includes all employees of the business and any independent contractors associated with the business. For the purposes of the ordinance, business establishment shall also ...view more farmers' markets. Business establishment does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag sales, other sales by residents at their homes, and sales by nonprofit organizations view less
Comply Date January 01, 2019
Ordinance Chapter 9, Article VII
Updated October 02, 2019

Statewide Legislation

Status Pending
Status Date February 10, 2021
Reusable Definition
Ordinance 2021-S0037
Notes 2/10/2021 The senate tries again to introduce a bill to ban plastic bags and allow paper. Past efforts have made it thru the Senate- but not to the governor.
Links
Updated June 11, 2021

Tiverton

Status Pending
Updated October 02, 2019

Warren

Status Approved
Status Date June 12, 2018
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Reusable Definition A bag, with handles which are stitched and not heat-fused, that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse. The bag must be made of washable cloth, other durable woven or nonwoven fabric, or durable plastic film that is recyclable plastic with a minimum thickness of four (4) mils.
Stores Affected Any enterprise whereby the sale or transfer to a customer of goods in exchange for payment occurring in retail stores, farmers' markets, flea markets, and restaurants. This does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag sales, other sales by residents at their homes, and sales by nonprofit organizations.
Comply Date December 01, 2018
Ordinance Chapter 11, section 11-364 Article XIII
Updated October 02, 2019

Westerly

Status Approved
Status Date April 24, 2019
Plastic Summary
Requirements:
  • 4.00mil Min Plastic Bag Thickness
Paper Summary
Requirements:
  • 100% Min Recyclable
  • 40% Min PCW
Details:
  • A bag that is: 100% recyclable, Contains at least 40% post-consumer recycled paper content, Displays the words "reusable," "recyclable" or the recycled symbol of a triangle on the outside of the bag.
Reusable Definition A reusable bag must meet all the following requirements: Is made solely of or in a combination of natural cloths, synthetic fibers, other washable material or of a nontoxic plastic as defined by applicable state and federal guidelines that is no less than four mils thick and has the work "reusable" or "reuse" or the recycle symbol of a triangle printed on the outside of the bag in a visible manner. Is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and has handles which are stitched and not heat infused.
Stores Affected Any business selling goods, articles, or personal services to the public, including restaurants.
Comply Date January 01, 2020
Ordinance Chapter 212 (#1954)
Links
Updated February 03, 2020

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