Mansfield Bans Use Of Plastic Store Checkout Bags

MANSFIELD, CT — The Mansfield Town Council on Monday adopted an ordinance essentially banning businesses from using plastic checkout bags.

According to the ordinance, the plastic bag type now banned is defined as, "A bag provided by a business to a customer, typically at the point of sale, for the purpose of transporting purchases." Environmental and "health" reasons were cited in the ordinance.

Exceptions include trash bags used in the home, dog poop bags, publication bags, dry cleaning garment bags and "re-usable" plastic bags brought to stores by customers.

Establishments mentioned in the ordinance include grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, catering trucks, hardware stores, pharmacies, department stores and liquor stores.

Nonprofit stores are exempt, according to the ordinance.

An appeal process is included in the ordinance, but fines for non-compliance can be $90.

The ban will take effect 21 days after the new regulations are formally advertised.

See the ordinance in detail here.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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