The Plastic Waste Reduction Act, legislation passed by the Rhode Island General Assembly in the 2022 session and signed into law by Governor Dan McKee, is set to come into force on Jan. 1, 2024. This legislation prohibits retail establishments from furnishing customers with single-use plastic bags at the point of sale. Notably, 18 out of 39 Rhode Island communities have already implemented analogous bans on plastic bags, ensuring a consistent legal standard throughout the state.
Authored by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio and Representative Carol Hagan McEntee, the law mandated the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and formulate regulations for its implementation. Following a public hearing on the regulations held on Sept. 26, with the public comment period concluding on Oct. 1, DEM actively reached out to industry stakeholders and businesses to reinforce awareness of the impending regulations.
“Eliminating the retail distribution of single-use plastic bags helps prevent litter and plastic debris from entering Narragansett Bay and our local waters, which are central to the Ocean State’s environment, way of life, and economy,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “A more sustainable world starts with all of us, and DEM remains committed to promoting sustainability throughout our programs and operations. We continue to develop a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan for sustainable materials management.”
To read the full story, visit https://www.thenewportbuzz.com/rhode-islands-plastic-bag-ban-takes-effect-on-jan-1-2024/45990.
Author: Christian Winthrop
Photo by Marissa Lewis on Unsplash