DOVER, Del. --- The First State may become the next state to ban single-use plastic bags at businesses like grocery stores.
House Bill 130, announced on Thursday by Gov. John Carney (D) and lawmakers, expands the state's recycling program but stores subject to the program will be barred from providing single-use plastic bags for only specific uses, a move aimed at promoting a shift by businesses and consumers toward using reusable bags.
The legislation primarily affects grocery stores, big box stores, or chains with at least three locationsĀ in Delaware that have 3,000 or more square feetĀ apiece. The minimum amount of space for a store to qualify under the law is 7,000 square feet.
Restaurants would be exempt from the ban and other exclusions could be applied for businesses involved in wrapping frozen foods, meat or fish, flowers or potted plants, or other items to contain dampness.
Supporters argue the legislation will help reduce garbage being discarded by the side of the road or in nature areas and is intended to reduce the burden on taxpayers for storm water and trash management costs.
Opponents argue the legislation could cause increased costs for small businesses and result in higher prices for consumers because stores will charge more money to pay for reusable bags.
If passed, the legislation would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021.
