Alexei Volkov
As of July 1, 2022, the state of Delaware has prohibited retailers from providing plastic carryout bags at the point of sale. Dover, being a city in Delaware, is subject to this law. The ban aims to reduce litter, decrease plastic waste, and mitigate disruptions to the state's recycling system caused by plastic bags. Retailers in Dover, DE, may now offer reusable bags made from cloth, paper, or thicker plastic, and they can charge a fee for these bags. Stores are also required to provide an in-store recycling program for plastic bags and certain other plastic materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic carryout bags ban in Dover, DE | Effective since January 1, 2021 |
| Affected stores | Large supermarkets and big-box stores, chains of convenience stores, and retail and grocery stores |
| Exemptions | Restaurants and small stores with one or two locations |
| Alternatives provided by stores | Cloth or paper bags, thicker plastic bags designed to be reusable |
| Stores required to provide | An At-Store Recycling program for plastic bags and other specific plastics like cereal box liners, newspaper sleeves, and single-use produce or meat bags |
| Plastic bags accepted in the At-Store Recycling Program | Plastic bags and film, cereal box liners, newspaper sleeves, and produce bags |
| Plastic bags not accepted in the At-Store Recycling Program | Plastic film bags, regardless of thickness |
| Consumers advised to | Bring their own reusable bags to the store and clean and disinfect them between uses |
| Fee on bags | The law allows stores to charge a fee for the bags provided at the point of sale, but it is not mandatory |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic carryout bags are banned in Dover, Delaware
The ban applies to most retailers, including large supermarkets, big-box stores, and chains of convenience stores. Restaurants and small stores with one or two locations are exempt. Retailers covered by the ban must provide alternative bags, such as paper, cloth, or thicker reusable plastic bags, and they may charge a fee for these bags.
The law also mandates that affected retail stores provide an in-store recycling program for plastic bags and certain other plastic materials, such as cereal box liners, newspaper sleeves, and produce bags. Stores are required to have visible and accessible drop-off locations for these items.
To comply with the ban, Dover residents are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags when shopping and to clean and disinfect these bags between uses. This simple action can help reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
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Retailers must provide alternative bags
Since January 1, 2021, retailers in Dover, Delaware, have been prohibited from providing plastic carryout bags to customers at the point of sale. This ban was enacted to reduce beach and roadside litter, decrease plastic waste, and mitigate the negative impact of plastic bags on the state's recycling facilities. The law applies to all retail stores in Delaware, regardless of size or the number of store locations, with the exception of restaurants.
To comply with the ban, retailers must provide alternative bags to their customers. Most stores have switched to offering paper bags, which can be provided at no cost or for a fee. Retailers can also choose to provide cloth bags or thicker plastic bags designed to be reusable. These reusable bags are typically made of materials like PET non-woven fabric, nylon, cloth, cotton, jute, hemp, or other washable fabrics. The law allows stores to charge a fee for these bags, but it is not mandatory.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) recommends that consumers bring their own reusable bags when shopping and practice proper cleaning and disinfection of these bags between uses. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and promotes a more sustainable shopping experience.
Retail stores that offer plastic bags for exempt items, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, or seafood, are required to provide an in-store recycling program for plastic bags and certain other plastic materials. These stores should use signs provided by DNREC to remind consumers of the types of plastic bags that can be recycled in-store. Additionally, drop-off locations for recycling plastic bags should be visible and easily accessible within the store.
Overall, the ban on plastic carryout bags in Dover, Delaware, aims to reduce plastic pollution and encourage the use of reusable alternatives. Retailers play a crucial role in this initiative by providing alternative bags and promoting environmentally conscious choices among their customers.
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Plastic bags cannot be recycled in curbside recycling
Since July 1, 2022, retailers in the State of Delaware have been banned from providing plastic carryout bags at the point of sale. This ban was implemented to help reduce beach and roadside litter and decrease the impact of plastic bags at sorting facilities that manage material from Delaware's Universal Recycling Program. While this law does not explicitly mention curbside recycling, it is important to note that plastic bags cannot be recycled in curbside recycling carts or recycling dumpsters in Delaware.
Plastic bags are not accepted through Delaware's Universal Recycling Program and must be returned to a participating store to be recycled through an At-Store Recycling Program. Plastic bag and film drop-off bins are typically found at a store's entrance or by the customer service area. This is because plastic bags cannot be recycled through traditional curbside recycling processes due to several reasons.
Firstly, mechanical issues arise as plastic bags are lightweight and can get caught in recycling machinery, degrading the effectiveness of the sorting process and causing potential damage. The thin, flexible nature of plastic bags, typically made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), makes them prone to getting caught in the machinery, disrupting the recycling process and even posing a danger to workers.
Secondly, sorting complexity is another challenge. Plastic bags can mimic paper due to their thin and flexible nature, making it difficult for facilities to sort them accurately. Even if they pass through the system without entangling machinery, they can still contaminate paper products.
Lastly, the recycling market demand for plastic bags is limited compared to other materials. The cost and energy required to recycle plastic bags often outweigh the benefits, making them less profitable for recycling programs.
Therefore, it is essential to return plastic bags to participating stores for proper recycling through their At-Store Recycling Programs.
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Reusable bags should be cleaned and disinfected
Since July 1, 2022, retailers in the State of Delaware have been banned from providing plastic carryout bags at the point of sale. This law applies to all retail stores in Delaware, regardless of their size or the number of locations they have. The ban was implemented to reduce beach and roadside litter and decrease the impact of plastic bags at the state's recycling facilities.
With the shift towards reusable bags, it is important to note that these bags should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the growth of germs, mold, and bacteria. Here are some tips to ensure your reusable bags are properly cleaned and disinfected:
Washing and Drying
As a general rule, reusable bags should be washed regularly, preferably after each use or at least once a week. Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, which can usually be found on the fabric care label. Most reusable bags can be washed in warm or hot water with detergent, either by hand or on a gentle machine cycle. It is important to ensure that the bags are thoroughly dried before storing them. Air drying is recommended, and you should avoid using a dryer as the heat can damage the bags.
Disinfecting
To disinfect your reusable bags, you can use disinfectant wipes or a disinfectant spray. Pay special attention to the seams, nooks, and fabric creases, as these areas can trap spilled liquids, meat juices, or vegetable dirt, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. For insulated bags, use disinfecting or anti-bacterial wipes, especially along the seams. You can also use natural disinfectants like pine oil or white wine vinegar.
Storing
Always store your clean and dry reusable bags in a cool, dry place at home. Avoid storing them in your car trunk or in closed drawers or cabinets, as these places can be warm, humid, and promote bacterial growth. Additionally, keep separate bags for different purposes, such as designated bags for raw meats, seafood, produce, and non-food items. This helps prevent cross-contamination and maintains food safety.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your reusable bags are clean, disinfected, and safe to use, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
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Plastic bags are one of the most common types of litter
The negative impacts of plastic bags on the environment are significant. Plastic bags start as fossil fuels and end up as toxic waste, polluting the environment and harming wildlife. Birds often mistake shredded plastic bags for food, and sea turtles struggle to distinguish between jellyfish and floating plastic bags. Fish consume thousands of tons of plastic annually, transferring it up the food chain to larger fish and marine mammals. Plastic bags also contribute to microplastic pollution, as they break down into tiny particles that absorb toxins and continue to contaminate the environment. These microplastics are consumed by humans through food and air, with potential health risks.
Recognizing the environmental concerns associated with plastic bags, many communities have implemented single-use plastic bans or restrictions. Delaware, for example, enacted a Plastic Carryout Bag Ban in July 2022, prohibiting retailers from providing plastic carryout bags at the point of sale. This ban aims to reduce beach and roadside litter and decrease the impact of plastic bags on Delaware's Universal Recycling Program. Other states like California and Hawaii have also taken steps to regulate plastic bags through legislation.
To address the plastic bag litter problem, individuals can play a crucial role by adopting reusable bags for shopping. By bringing their own bags, consumers can reduce the demand for single-use plastic bags and minimize the environmental impact associated with their production and disposal. Additionally, proper disposal and recycling of plastic bags through designated programs can help mitigate the issue. However, it is important to note that even with recycling efforts, the majority of plastic bags still end up in landfills or the environment.
While the movement towards reducing plastic bag usage is gaining momentum, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges and root causes of the problem. The plastic industry continues to expand, with plans to increase plastic production by 40% over the next decade. Addressing the root causes of plastic pollution through education, awareness, and advocacy initiatives is vital to tackling this global issue effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
No, as of January 1, 2021, Dover, Delaware has banned the use of plastic carryout bags.
Retail stores in Dover may offer reusable bags made from cloth, paper, or thicker plastic. Retailers are not prohibited from charging a fee for these bags.
Plastic bags should not be placed in curbside recycling carts. Instead, they should be returned to a participating store to be recycled via an At-Store Recycling Program. Drop-off bins are typically located at the store's entrance or near the customer service area.
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