Connecticut, Delaware Move Forward with Plastic Bag Enforcements

Beginning August 1, Connecticut consumers will pay a 10-cent tax on all single-use plastic bags, with an outright ban on all single-use plastic bags set for July 1, 2021.

FOX 61 News reports that the tax is projected to generate $27.7 million in the current fiscal year and $26.8 million in the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2020. Exceptions include plastic bags provided by stores to hold meat, seafood and loose produce, as well as newspaper and dry-cleaning bags. The tax will, however, apply to restaurants that use plastic bags for takeout.

In addition, Delaware’s Gov. John Carney signed legislation to ban plastic bags and reduce litter across the state.

At the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary on July 29, Carney joined members of the General Assembly and environmental advocates to sign House Bill 130 and Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 5. Both laws aim to protect Delaware communities from litter and protect Delaware’s environment and wildlife from the harmful effects of discarded waste. 

House Bill 130 will ban the use of single-use plastic bags and encourage a shift to reusable bags in the state. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 5 will address the problem of individuals dumping large quantities of trash on public and private property by increasing penalties for unlawful dumping and creating a Litter Investigation and Enforcement Fund.

“We live in a beautiful state. We should keep it that way,” said Carney in a statement. “One of the best ways we can take pride in our communities is to keep them clean. That’s why I was proud to stand with mayors, county executives and other local leaders recently to announce the Delaware Anti-Litter Alliance, a coalition of public officials committed to keeping our state litter free. And that’s why I was pleased to sign these bills into law on Monday. These new laws will help us protect Delaware communities from litter, protect our environment and protect Delaware wildlife. Thank you to members of the General Assembly and Delawareans up and down our state who have pledged to help Keep DE Litter Free.”

WTNH News 8 has more information:

Consumers across Connecticut will start paying a .10 cent tax on all single use plastic bags starting on August 1st. There will be an outright ban on single-use plastic bags on July 1, 2021.

Retailers will pay the tax of their sales tax returns, it’s estimated to bring in more than $25 million each year. The tax even applies to restaurants that use plastic bags for takeout.

Smaller bags in produce and meat sections will not be taxed.

Read the full article here.