Everything you need to know about Glastonbury’s new plastic bag ban

GLASTONBURY– Last week, Glastonbury became the 14th town in Connecticut to ban single-use plastic bags, when the town council voted 8-1 in favor of a new ordinance.

Here’s a look at the details of the town’s ban.

What kind of bags will be banned?

Single-use plastic bags, often found when shoppers are checking out of a store, will no longer be permitted. The bag ban will not include bags provided for meat, seafood, produce or other unwrapped food items; a newspaper bag; laundry bag or dry cleaning bag.

When does the ban go into effect?

The ban will start Jan. 1, 2020, with enforcement beginning July 1, 2020. Any store violating the ordinance will receive a written warning. If the violation is not corrected a citation will be handed out with $100 fine per day until it is resolved.

What’s the latest on a statewide ban?

During its regular session, the state legislature approved a bill that imposes a 10-cent tax on single-use plastic bags, beginning Aug. 1 and lasting for two years until the ban begins on July 1, 2021. The legislation also allows municipalities to enact their own plastic ban bans.

Where else has ban been enacted?

Glastonbury was one of 19 towns and cities across the state considering a ban. There are 13 communities that have enacted bans: Westport, Greenwich, Mansfield, Hamden, Stonington, Washington, Weston, Stamford, Norwalk, New Canaan, New Britain, Middletown and Windham.

What’s an alternative to plastic bags?

Glastonbury’s proposed ban allows stores to use paper bags with no old growth fiber. They must be 100 percent recyclable with at least 40 percent post-consumer content. There will be no charge for the paper bags.

Peter Marteka can be reached at pmarteka@courant.com.