2021 Spring U.S. Bag Ban Update
Continued Efforts to Go Green
As more and more aspects of life return to a general sense of normalcy, the bag ban movement is getting back on track.
Efforts to pass new disposable plastic bag bans stalled or were postponed and many established bans were put on hiatus. That’s all starting to change as many bans are being reinstated and new cities in the U.S. are considering a plastic bag ban.
You can learn all about the movement by checking out our bag ban map. This interactive resource provides a real-time look at the movement and not only provides a history but also shows the progress being made.
Today we are taking a look at the latest developments and providing an update for the U.S. bag ban movement while also explaining how your brand can use custom reusable bags to help your customers and your brand.
Roanoke Considering Bag Fee
A proposal in Roanoke would impose a 5-cent fee on disposable plastic bags. The matter is up for public debate and officials want to gauge interest and support before moving forward. If approved, the plastic bag fee could become effective as early as January 1, 2022.
Measures Reinstated
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were a lot of unknowns and concerns. Many bag bans were put on hold and some municipalities even issued bans on reusable bags. Now, a year later, many of these decisions are being reversed.
The bag fee in Fraser, Colorado was reintroduced on May 1, 2021. At the start of the pandemic, Fraser’s 20-cent fee on paper and plastic bags was one year old. The town paused the measure in response to the Coronavirus, but the fee is now back in place.
East Greenwich also put their plastic bag ban back into action. The plastic bag ban was implemented in East Greenwich in the fall of 2019 and the ban was suspended after the start of the pandemic. In April of 2021, the bag ban was reinstated.
Honolulu Updated Bag Ban
Honolulu County first implemented a single-use plastic bag ban in April 2012. The ban was later updated to include thicker plastic bags and proved to be very effective. Officials successfully amended the ban to include other businesses, such as restaurants.
This new ban took effect on January 1, 2020.
A few short months later, the ban was lifted in response to the spread of the Coronavirus.
On April 1, 2021, Honolulu’s plastic bag ban was reinstated and single-use plastic bags are now banned at restaurants.
There’s still more progress to be made as there are plans in place to update the ban again in January 2022.
After the New Year, food vendors will be prohibited from providing polystyrene containers or disposable plastic utensils.
Las Cruces May Go Plastic Free
A formal measure has yet to be drafted, but there is discussion around the possibility of banning single-use plastic bags in Las Cruces. The ban would potentially include a 10-cent fee on paper bags.
The goal of the bag ban is to reduce the negative environmental impact of disposable bags.
If approved, Las Cruces would join Albuquerque and Santa Fe in banning single-use plastic bags.
Help Your Community Go Green
The plastic bag ban movement is widespread and these measures are good for the planet, but they also create a need for reusable bags. This is a unique opportunity for your business to help your customers by providing custom reusable shopping bags.
Now is a great time to get on board with the bag ban movement and create your very own custom reusable bags. These bags will help your customers adapt to bans and use less plastic, while also spreading your brand’s message.
Shop our full selection of reusable bags now by clicking the links above.
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