EAST PROVIDENCE — In a statement issued last week by the administration and the sponsor of the legislation, East Providence has announced a date to initiate a ban on the use of so-called “single use” plastic bags as November 7.

At the prodding of Ward 2 representative Anna Sousa, the City Council at its meeting on May 7 of this year gave second and final approval to an amended ordinance, which phases out the availability of single-use plastic bags by retailers to customers most commonly affiliated with supermarkets, convenience stores and drug stores.

East Providence becomes the 12th out of Rhode Island’s 39 municipalities to take up the ban.

The revised ordinance appears in Chapter 7 of the City Charter, under the banner “Health and Sanitation,” which would require businesses to eliminate light plastic bags within six months of the final approval date.

The key revised phrase in the ordinance would read: “Other than reusable carryout bags as provided in this section, no retail sales establishment shall make available any plastic carryout bags (either complementary or for a fee).”

Councilor Sousa cited among the rationales for the law being a means to curb litter in the streets, protect marine environment, waterways, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste while also encouraging the use of reusable carryout bags.

“A clean ocean and marine life are of the utmost importance for us in Rhode Island being that we are the Ocean State,” Ms. Sousa said in the recent release. “Finally banning plastic bags is just one of many actions needed to protect our environment and the animals that live in it.

“I am proud of (State) Senate President (Dominick) Ruggerio who sponsored legislation, which was later unanimously approved by the Senate, to ban single-use plastic bags,” Ms. Sousa added. “I’m also thankful for Barrington Town Council Vice President Kate Weymouth for her passion and dedication in creating and passing the first plastic bag ban legislation and the additional 11 Rhode Island communities who have seen the same value as I do.”

When passed by the council it was noted not all plastic bags will be disallowed. Ms. Sousa, at the time, said plastic bags for dry cleaning and produce at markets will remain available to customers.

The administration of Mayor Bob DaSilva is charged with implementing the ban.

“Single-use plastic bags not only have a negative impact on our environment because they clog drains causing flooding and are the main component of landfill litter, but they also kill wildlife and cost cities millions in recycling fees,” Mr. DaSilva said. “I applaud the City Council on its decision to vote in favor of instituting the ban.”