Prohibit retail stores from providing plastic carry-out bags to customers.

 

The purpose of this bill is to reduce environmental pollution and encourage more sustainable consumer practices by

prohibiting retail stores from providing plastic carry-out bags to customers.

 

Plastic carry-out bags significantly contribute to environmental degradation since they take hundreds of years to

decompose, clog waterways, and are frequently ingested by wildlife. In Minnesota itself, residents discard more than 500

tons of plastic bags and packaging per day, and less than 10% of these bags are actually recycled. Also, other places

like Vermont and Philadelphia saw measurable environmental benefits after enacting this ban. Vermont saw a 91% reduction

and Philadelphia reduced plastic bag litter by 94% which clearly shows how this ban does have a sizable impact. By

prohibiting plastic carry-out bags in Minnesota, it will substantially reduce environmental pollution, protect any

wildlife affected, and encourage the adoption of reusable or recyclable alternatives.

 

Retail stores - Any commercial establishment that sells goods directly to consumers.

Carry-out plastic bags - A thin, single-use plastic bag provided to customers to transport purchased goods.

Paper bag - A bag made primarily of paper, intended for single or multiple uses, that is recyclable or biodegradable.

Reusable bag - A bag made of durable material designed for multiple uses.

 

No additional funding is required for this bill. Retailers may adjust existing budgets to accommodate for paper or

reusable bag alternatives.

 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will oversee compliance. Noncompliant retail stores may receive fines up

to $300 per violation until the store adopts compliant bag alternatives.

 

Retail stores must stop providing carry-out plastic bags by July 1st, 2026.