Launch of a ban on single-use plastic bags starts in Providence

By: Associated Press

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP/WLNE) – A ban on single-use plastic bags in the city of Providence is going into effect.     

The city says the ordinance takes effect on Tuesday.

It prohibits retailers from offering single-use plastic bags at checkout counters unless they can prove a qualifying exemption.     

The ordinance allows for reusable bags and recyclable paper bags.

Bags used to transport produce, laundry bags, dry-cleaning bags, and bags used to contain or wrap frozen foods, meat or fish are exempt.     

Retailers in violation will be issued a warning and can be fined for subsequent offenses.

The city plans to use any revenue collected for outreach about recycling and waste.     

Some customers like James Riley who food shops in Providence at Eastside Marketplace said he’s already moved on from plastic and brings a box with him to carry out his groceries.

“I’ve been away from plastic for some time now. I try to use the least amount of plastic as possible,” Riley said. “I see plastic litter everywhere. The problem is it doesn’t go away.”

Others like Sean Kearns who works in Providence said he’ll have no problem adjusting.

“I’m kind of over the learning curve of bringing my own bags without the hassle,” he said. “Charles Street is littered with [plastic bags always, so I guess that’s a good improvement.”

Businesses have been preparing for months including at Tony’s Colonial Food on Federal Hill, who began phasing out plastic for a while once they knew a ban would take effect.

“We keep it for storage for us and that’s about it. We’re not going to use it. It’s good for the environment [and] we respect the environment,” said Salvatore DeSimone with Tony’s Colonial Food. “All depend on how people think. We don’t hear feedback from customers but everybody has a different opinion.”

The Rhode Island Senate passed a bill in June to ban single-use plastic bags at checkout counters statewide, but the effort stalled in the House.

This story contains information from the Associated Press

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