Nonbiodegradable plastic bags often are discarded into the environment
and end up polluting our waterways, clogging sewers, endangering marine
life and causing unsightly litter. These bags last hundreds of years
in landfills and are a potential source of harmful chemicals when
they do break down. The intent of this article is to improve the environment
in Hastings-on-Hudson by encouraging the use of reusable checkout
bags and banning the use of plastic bags for retail checkout of purchased
goods.
For purposes of this article, the terms used herein are defined
as follows:
CHECKOUT BAG
A carry-out bag that is provided to a customer at the point
of sale. The term "checkout bag" does not include plastic produce
bags, garment bags or plastic bags measuring 28 inches by 36 inches
or larger in size.
GARMENT BAG
A large plastic bag with two openings that is used to transport
clothing from a dry cleaner.
PLASTIC PRODUCE BAG
A flexible container made of very thin plastic material with
a single opening that is used to transport produce, meats or other
items selected by customers to the point of sale.
RECYCLABLE PAPER BAG
A paper bag that should have the following characteristics:
A.
Contains no old-growth fiber;
B.
Is one-hundred-percent recyclable overall and contains a minimum
of forty-percent postconsumer recycled content; and
C.
Displays the words "Reusable" and "Recyclable" on the outside
of the bag.
RETAIL SALES
The transfer to a customer of goods in exchange for payment
occurring in retail stores, sidewalk sales, farmers' markets, flea
markets and restaurants. The term "retail sales" does not include
sales of goods at yard sales, tag sales, and other sales by residents
at their home.
REUSABLE BAG
A bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured
for multiple reuse and is:
A.
Made of cloth or other fabric; and/or
B.
Made of durable plastic that is at least 2.25 mils thick.