The Town of Weston is committed to protecting the environment
and the public health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. The goal
of this chapter is to reduce the common use of plastic checkout bags
and to encourage the use of reusable bags by consumers, thereby reducing
local land and marine pollution, advancing solid waste reduction,
protecting the Town's unique natural beauty and irreplaceable
natural resources, and improving the quality of life for the citizens
of the Town.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
CHECKOUT BAG
A carryout bag with or without handles provided by a store
to a customer at the point of sale that is intended for the purpose
of transporting food or merchandise out of the store. The term "checkout
bag" does not include product bags.
PRODUCT BAG
A flexible container made of very thin plastic material with
a single opening that is used to transport clothing from a dry cleaner,
produce, meats, small unpackaged products (e.g., beads and nails or
other small hardware items) or other items selected by customers to
the point of sale.
RECYCLABLE PAPER BAG
A paper bag with or without handles that is 100% recyclable
and contains at least 40% post-consumer recycled content (except that
an eight-pound or smaller paper bag shall contain a minimum of 20%
post-consumer recycled content) and visibly displays both the word
"recyclable" and "reusable" on the outside of the bag and the percentage
of post-consumer recycled content. Bag must contain no old growth
fiber and must be FSC certified.
RETAIL SALES
The transfer to a customer of goods in exchange for payment
occurring in retail stores, sidewalk sales, farmer's markets,
flea markets and restaurants. The term "retail sales" does not include
sales of goods at yard sales, tag sales, other sales by residents
at their home, and sales by nonprofit and governmental organizations.
REUSABLE BAG
A bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured
for multiple reuse and is:
A.
Made of cloth or other washable fabric; and/or
B.
Made of durable plastic that is at least 4.0 mils thick.
STORE
Any commercial enterprise engaging in retail sales.
Any violation of this chapter shall be punishable by a civil
fine of $150 per incident.