The intent of this chapter is to improve the environment in
the Village of Piermont by encouraging the use of reusable checkout
bags, and banning the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam packaging
for retail checkout of purchased goods. Retail establishments are
encouraged to make reusable bags available for sale.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following words, terms
and phrases shall have the following definitions:
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 clothing retailer or a garment cleaner such as a dry
cleaner.
PLASTIC PRODUCE BAG
A bag made of very thin plastic used to transport produce,
meats or other items selected by customers.
RECYCLABLE PAPER BAG
A paper bag that should have the following characteristics:
A.
Contains no old growth fiber;
B.
Is 100% recyclable overall and contains a minimum of 40% postconsumer
recycled content.
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 homes.
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.
STYROFOAM
Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), such as cups, plates, take-out
food containers, and packing materials, commonly known as "Styrofoam."
Any person engaged in retail sales shall provide only recyclable
paper bags as checkout bags, and/or reusable bags, and shall only
provide non-Styrofoam packaged containers to customers.
This chapter shall become effective on January 1, 2019, to allow
retail establishments to dispose of their existing inventory of plastic
checkout bags and to convert to alternative packaging materials.