A brand new ban on single-use, carryout plastic baggage distributed at checkout registers by retailers and different companies in Prince George’s County will go into impact on Jan. 1.
The invoice, permitted by the Prince George’s County Council in June, additionally requires retailers to cost at the least a 10-cent price for every paper and reusable bag bought to shoppers.
The ban was enacted to guard native our bodies of water and the marine life in them in addition to cut back plastic air pollution and litter and promote reusable baggage.
“Plastic baggage don’t biodegrade and contaminate our native waterways, inflicting hurt to marine life, clogging our storm drains, and littering our streets and communities,” stated Division of Setting Director Andrea Crooms. “This ban encourages shoppers to cut back waste and addresses one of many county’s Local weather Motion Plan suggestions, an necessary step in sustaining a sustainable county and decreasing our carbon footprint.”
The ban applies to retail shops, eating places, grocery shops or some other place offering single-use plastic baggage to clients on the level of sale or service. Plus, the ban doesn’t apply to baggage that package deal bulk objects (produce, grains, small {hardware}, and so forth.), bakery items, fish, meat, flowers and dry cleansing.
No prices apply to paper baggage for prescription medication and take-out meals by eating places or ready meals offered at a drive-through. The Division of the Setting will lead the enforcement, public outreach, and training efforts because the county shifts to reusable baggage.
To help residents in making the transition, the county will present a restricted quantity of free reusable baggage and can announce distribution dates and places as soon as finalized.