Warren moves to ban plastic shopping bags

First reading passes; public hearing set for June

By Ted Hayes
Posted 5/11/18

The Warren Town Council took a first step Tuesday in banning the use of disposable plastic grocery bags here, when members passed a draft ordinance that makes the bags illegal in most places in town. …

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Warren moves to ban plastic shopping bags

First reading passes; public hearing set for June

Posted

The Warren Town Council took a first step Tuesday in banning the use of disposable plastic grocery bags here, when members passed a draft ordinance that makes the bags illegal in most places in town. It will come to a final vote next month.

The town’s “reusable carryout bag initiative” ordinance, based on similar laws on the books in Barrington and Bristol, still faces a public hearing and another council vote next month. Town council members said they hope the initiative, if it passes into law, will help cut down on pollution and litter in the Town of Warren:

“The purpose of this … is to improve the environment in Warren and the health, safety and welfare of its residents by reducing the number of plastic and paper bags being used and by encouraging the use of reusable carryout bag and banning the use of plastic bags for retail checkout of goods,” the proposed ordinance reads.

If it ultimately passes and becomes law, the ordinance would take effect in six months. Under the proposed ordinance:

• No retail establishments will be allowed to make disposable plastic carryout bags available, whether they are complimentary or for a fee.

• All retail establishments that provide plastic produce, products or other bags must make recycling of them available.

• Reusable carryout bags are allowed under the ordinance.

• Enforcemnt of the ordinance falls with the Warren Police Department, or any other department designated by the Warren Town Manager.

• Those caught disobeying the law will be served written notice that they must comply. The person or business receiving the notification must confirm in writing, within 14 days, that the violation has ceased.

• A second violation within a year will result in a $150 fine.

• A third violation within one year of the second and subsequent violations will result in a $300 fine.

The council next meets on the matter at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, in the Warren Town Hall.

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