New ordinance takes effect in December; fines for those who violate policy

Warren bans plastic grocery bags

By Ted Hayes
Posted 6/15/18

Disposable plastic grocery bags are no longer welcome in Warren, after the Warren Town Council voted 4-1 Tuesday, with Chris Stanley opposed, to ban their use here. The new law will take effect in …

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New ordinance takes effect in December; fines for those who violate policy

Warren bans plastic grocery bags

Posted

Disposable plastic grocery bags are no longer welcome in Warren, after the Warren Town Council voted 4-1 Tuesday, with Chris Stanley opposed, to ban their use here. The new law will take effect in six months.

The town’s “reusable carryout bag initiative” ordinance is based on similar laws on the books in Barrington and Bristol. Those behind the ordinance hope the initiative will help cut down on pollution and litter in the Town of Warren:

“The purpose of this … is to improve the environment in Warren 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 carryout bag and banning the use of plastic bags for retail checkout of goods,” the ordinance reads.

Under the new law, which takes effect in December:

• No retail establishments will be allowed to make disposable plastic carryout bags available.

• All retail establishments that provide plastic produce, product or other bags must make recycling of them available.

• Reusable carryout bags are allowed under the ordinance.

• Enforcement of the ordinance falls with the Warren Police Department, or any other department designated by the Warren Town Manager.

• Those caught disobeying the law will be served written notice that they must comply. The person or business receiving the notification must confirm in writing, within 14 days, that the violation has ceased.

• A second violation within a year will result in a $150 fine.

• A third violation within one year of the second and subsequent violations will result in a $300 fine.

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