Maya Ellison
Plastic bags are a major source of pollution and have been known to cause the death of marine animals and birds. In an effort to reduce plastic waste, Hawaii has implemented various measures to ban or reduce the use of single-use plastic bags. Honolulu, for example, passed Bill 40, which is considered one of the strictest single-use plastic bans in the nation. This law prohibits businesses from providing single-use checkout plastic bags and non-recyclable paper bags to customers, with violations resulting in fines. Other counties in Hawaii, such as Maui and Hawaii County, have also introduced plastic bag reduction ordinances. These ordinances aim to encourage the use of reusable bags and reduce the number of single-use plastic bags ending up as litter or in landfills. While there is still room for improvement, these measures represent a significant step towards sustainability and environmental protection in Hawaii.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Ordinance | Bill 40 |
| Date of Signing | December 15, 2019 |
| Effective Date | July 1, 2015 |
| Amended Date | September 6, 2022 |
| Type of Ban | Single-use plastic checkout bag ban |
| Affected Businesses | All businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, and retailers |
| Exemptions | Plastic bags for bulk items such as meat, fish, nuts, grains, fresh produce, small hardware, garments, and prescription drugs |
| Alternatives | Reusable bags, paper bags, and plant-based compostable products |
| Environmental Impact | Reduction in plastic waste and protection of marine life |
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What You'll Learn
Honolulu's Bill 40
Bill 40 places restrictions on food ware and service ware, amending existing plastic bag restrictions. It prohibits businesses from providing their customers with single-use checkout plastic bags, polystyrene foodware ("Styrofoam"), plastic containers, cups, lids, and single-use plastic service ware such as straws, stirrers, and utensils. The law encourages businesses to transition to paper and plant-based compostable alternatives, which often resemble plastic in terms of look and feel.
While Bill 40 allows for thicker plastic "reusable" containers, it does not regulate paper bags or fees for reusable bags. It is important to note that plastic bags can have detrimental effects on the environment. They can entangle or choke wildlife, contribute to litter, and degrade into unsafe chemicals. Additionally, single-use plastic bags are inconsistent with the goal of reducing landfill waste.
The implementation of Bill 40 is a two-phase process, with the first set of regulations already in effect as of September 6, 2022. Food vendors and businesses in the City and County of Honolulu are now restricted from selling, serving, and providing polystyrene foam food ware and disposable plastic service ware to customers. Violations will result in warnings, and subsequent non-compliance will incur fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 per day.
Bill 40 is a significant step towards reducing plastic waste in Honolulu and aligns with the efforts of organizations like the Surfrider Foundation's Oahu Chapter, which advocated for this legislation. While there is room for improvement, as some forms of disposable plastic are not addressed, it sets a proactive legislative example and demonstrates a commitment to environmental protection.
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Oahu's plastic bag ban
On Oahu, Honolulu's Bill 40 is one of the strongest single-use plastic bans in the nation. It was passed on December 4, 2019, by the Honolulu City Council with a vote of 7 to 2 and was signed into law on December 15, 2019. The bill bans nearly all takeout plastic over two years, phasing out plastic bags, polystyrene foodware, plastic containers, cups, lids, and single-use plastic serviceware.
The bill amends previous ordinances (12-8, 14-29, 17-37, and 19-30) that already placed restrictions on plastic bags. For example, Ordinance 12-8, which came into effect on July 1, 2015, prohibited businesses from providing plastic checkout bags and non-recyclable paper bags to customers. Ordinance 14-29, which came into effect on July 1, 2018, amended the definition of "Compostable Plastic Bag" and "Plastic Bag" and required businesses to charge customers a minimum of 15 cents per reusable, compostable, or recyclable bag.
The implementation of Bill 40 is a significant step towards reducing plastic waste consumption in Honolulu and achieving the state's sustainability goals. It is estimated that 96% of the 15-20 tons of marine trash found on Hawaii's shores each year is plastic. By banning single-use plastic, Bill 40 aims to reduce the environmental impact of plastic production and distribution and preserve the natural beauty of the island.
While Bill 40 is a comprehensive regulation on plastics, there are still areas for improvement. For instance, plastic "reusable" containers made from thicker plastic are still permitted under the bill. Additionally, while plastic bags are banned, some individuals may continue to use reusable bags made of plastic or woven with plastic for strength. Nevertheless, Bill 40 represents a proactive legislative solution and a strong commitment to reducing plastic waste on Oahu.
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Maui County's BYOBag initiative
The BYOBag initiative is part of Maui County's Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance No 3587, which came into effect on 11 January 2011. The ordinance bans plastic bags at checkout and encourages consumers and business owners to bring their own bags when shopping and refrain from offering plastic bags at checkout.
The initiative aims to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean and on the island's beautiful landscapes, harming marine life and spoiling the natural environment. Plastic bags can entangle or choke marine animals, contribute to litter when blown by the wind, and degrade into unsafe chemicals.
The BYOBag initiative encourages residents and visitors to bring their own reusable shopping bags when they go to stores. It also suggests bringing an extra reusable bag to give to someone who doesn't have one, encouraging them to pay it forward and do the same the next time. Maui County also recommends buying reusable bags with appealing designs as gifts for friends and family.
The ordinance does not regulate paper bags or fees for reusable bags. It allows plastic bags to be used for specific items such as meat, fish, nuts, grains, fresh produce, small hardware, garments, and prescription drugs.
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Hawaii Wildlife Fund statistics
The Hawaii Wildlife Fund (HWF) has reported some alarming statistics regarding plastic pollution in Hawaii. According to the HWF, an estimated 15 to 20 tons of marine trash wash up on Hawaii's shores each year, with a staggering 96% of it being plastic. This plastic pollution poses a grave threat to Hawaii's unique marine life and wildlife, including endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal and the green sea turtle.
The HWF's statistics highlight the urgency of addressing plastic pollution in Hawaii. Plastic debris in the ocean can be mistaken for food by marine animals, leading to ingestion and fatal blockages. It also contributes to the accumulation of toxic contaminants in the food web, eventually reaching humans through the food chain. Additionally, plastic pollution can entangle marine animals, leading to strangulation and physical injuries.
To combat this issue, Hawaii has implemented a range of laws and initiatives. Honolulu's Bill 40, one of the strongest single-use plastic bans in the nation, was signed into law in 2019. It prohibits businesses from providing single-use plastic bags and promotes the use of reusable alternatives. The bill also addresses other forms of disposable plastic, such as polystyrene foam food ware and plastic containers.
The County of Hawaii has also implemented a Single-Use Plastic Checkout Bag Ban, prohibiting all single-use plastic carryout bags. This ban contributes to the state's goal of reducing landfill waste and protecting its fragile environment. Additionally, the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance encourages the use of reusable bags and provides educational resources to businesses and consumers.
The HWF is actively involved in marine debris removal projects. With the help of volunteers, they have removed over 320 tons of marine debris from various islands since 1998. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on Hawaii's coastal and marine wildlife. The HWF also uses the collected marine debris for research, art, and reuse initiatives, contributing to a more sustainable future for Hawaii.
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Honolulu's Recycling Program
Honolulu's first plastic bag banning ordinance, Bill 40, was signed into law in April 2012 and put into effect on July 1, 2015. The bill prohibited businesses from providing single-use checkout plastic bags and non-recyclable paper bags to customers. Two further ordinances were put in place to amend the bill to prevent thicker "reusable" plastic bags from being distributed and establish a minimum 15-cent charge for reusable, compostable plastic, or recyclable paper bags.
Bill 40 was one of the strongest single-use plastic bans in the nation, phasing out the use of plastic bags, polystyrene foodware ("Styrofoam"), plastic containers, cups, lids, and single-use plastic serviceware like straws, stirrers, and utensils. The bill restricts food vendors and businesses, including small local eateries and big box stores, from selling, serving, and providing polystyrene foam food ware, disposable plastic service ware, and other disposable ware to customers.
The bill was approved by the Honolulu City Council on December 4, 2019, by a margin of 7 to 2. The mayor signed it into law on December 15, 2019, banning nearly all takeout plastic over the next two years across Oahu, home to 72% of Hawaii's population. The bill was the result of over a decade of advocacy by the Surfrider Foundation's Oahu Chapter.
- Curbside recycling blue bins for HI-5 beverage containers
- Free mulch pickup
- Recycling programs for used cooking oil, ink cartridges, metal, electronics, and more
- Special programs offered by the County of Kauaʻi, such as free composting bins and household battery recycling
- Residential recycling guidelines and curbside recycling programs offered by the County of Maui
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic bags have been banned in Hawaii. The Honolulu City Council approved Bill 40, one of the strongest single-use plastic bans in the nation, in December 2019. The bill phases out the use of plastic bags, with full implementation by 2024.
The plastic bag ban in Hawaii aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste on the island and protect its beautiful island environment and delicate marine life. Plastic bags contribute to litter and can harm marine animals and birds, either by entanglement or when they mistake the plastic for food.
The plastic bag ban has been implemented in different counties of Hawaii at different times. Honolulu's plastic bag ban has been in place since 2015, with amendments made in 2022. Maui County implemented a ban in 2011, and Hawaii County's ban came into full effect in 2021.
