The purpose of this article is to improve the environment in Barrington 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 carry-out bags and banning the use of plastic bags for retail checkout of goods. Retail establishments are encouraged to make reusable carry-out bags available for sale.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CARRY-OUT BAG A bag used by the customer at the point of sale for the purpose of removing products purchased from retail establishment "Carry-out bag" does not include plastic barrier bags, double-opening plastic bags, or plastic bags measuring larger than 28 inches by 36 inches.
DOUBLE-OPENING PLASTIC BAG Any thin plastic bag with a double opening (top and bottom) to protect clothing or other items for transport.
PAPER BAG A paper bag that is fully recyclable overall and contains a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled content and contains no old growth fiber.
PLASTIC BAG A bag where any portion of the bag is made of plastic, including but not limited to those called "biodegradable, "compostable" or "oxo-biodegradable."
PLASTIC BARRIER BAG Any thin plastic bag with a single opening used to:
A. Transport fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, small hardware items, or other items selected by customers to the point of sale;
B. Contain or wrap fresh or frozen foods, meat, or fish, whether prepackaged or not;
C. Contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other items where damage to a good or contamination of other goods placed together in the same bag may be a problem; or
D. Contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods.
RECYCLABLE PLASTIC Plastic that meets the current Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation's standards.
RETAIL SALES ESTABLISHMENT Any enterprise whereby the sale or transfer to a customer of goods in exchange for payment occurring in retail stores, farmers' markets, flea markets, and restaurants. This does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag sales, other sales by residents at their homes, and sales by nonprofit organizations.
REUSABLE CARRY-OUT BAG A bag, with handles which are stitched and not heat-fused, that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse. The bag must be made of washable cloth, other durable woven or nonwoven fabric, or durable plastic film that is recyclable plastic with a minimum thickness of four mils.
Any violation charged under this article may be appealed, in writing, to the Town Manager within 14 days of receipt of a written notice of violation. The Town Manager may waive the individual violation or the requirements of this article on showing of good cause or undue hardship.