The purpose of this chapter is to protect and improve the environment
of Branford, including its coastline and marine life, and the health,
safety, and welfare of its residents by reducing the use of plastic
and paper bags and encouraging the use of reusable carryout bags during
the purchase of retail goods.
The following words terms and phrases, when used in this chapter,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:
PLASTIC PRODUCT BAG
A flexible container made of very thin plastic material that
is used to transport produce and meats to the point of sale, or transport
small unpackaged products (i.e. beads and small hardware items), or
clothing from a dry cleaner, or other items selected by customers
to the point of sale.
RECYCLABLE
Material that can be sorted, cleansed and reconstituted using
available recycling collection programs for the purpose of using the
altered form in the manufacture of a new product. Recycling does not
include burning, incinerating, or otherwise thermally destroying solid
waste.
RECYCLABLE PAPER BAG
A paper bag that should have the following characteristics:
A.
Contains no old growth fiber, as indicated by a stamp on the
bag by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or another similar certification
organization.
B.
Is 100% recyclable overall and contains a minimum of 40% post-consumer
recycled content as indicated by a stamp on the bag and displays the
word "recyclable" on the outside of the bag.
RETAIL SALES
The transfer to a customer of goods in exchange for payment
occurring in entities engaged in retail sales, sidewalk sales, farmers'
markets, flea markets, restaurants or other commercial or nonprofit
establishments which provide perishable or nonperishable goods.
REUSABLE CHECKOUT BAG
A bag provided by the retail entity at the point of sale
with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple
reuses. Bags shall meet the following requirements:
A.
Is made of natural fibers.
B.
Has a minimum volume capacity of 15 liters.
D.
Shall be capable of carrying 22 pounds over a distance of 175
feet for a minimum of 125 uses.
E.
Shall not be made of plastic film.
G.
It shall have a minimum fabric weight of at least 80 grams per
square meter.
VIOLATION, FIRST
Engagement in any of the prohibited actions of this chapter
at any point or points within a one-week period by an entity engaged
in retail sales.
VIOLATION, SUBSEQUENT
After an entity engaged in retail sales has been issued a
citation for a first violation, further engagement in any of the prohibited
actions of this chapter within a one-day period by the entity engaged
in retail sales shall be considered a subsequent violation.
This chapter shall become operative six months after enactment
of this chapter.