As a business, what do I need to know about the plastic bag ban?
Category:
Garbage and Litter Issues
- Which businesses does this apply to?
- The ban applies to all retail establishments in Pittsburgh where food or other products are sold to the public and bags are used for carryout, delivery, or pick-up. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Supermarkets, Convenience stores, Service stations, Department stores, dollar stores, clothing stores, restaurants, cafeterias, festivals, food trucks, farmers’ markets, and delivery services.
- The ban applies to all retail establishments in Pittsburgh where food or other products are sold to the public and bags are used for carryout, delivery, or pick-up. This includes, but is not limited to:
- What kinds of bags can my business provide?
- Reusable bags and compliant paper bags (for a charge of at least $0.10) can be provided.
- Reusable bags made of nylon, cotton, cloth, polyester, or another material that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuses are permitted.
- Paper bags are complaint if they contain no old-growth fiber and are made from at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled content.
- Reusable bags and compliant paper bags (for a charge of at least $0.10) can be provided.
- What kinds of paper bags are considered compliant?
- Paper bags are complaint if they contain no old-growth fiber and are made from at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled content. Businesses must charge a minimum of $0.10 for each paper bag provided to the customer.
- What kinds of bags are exempt?
- Bags used solely to package bulk perishable items such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, or candy.
- Bags used solely to contain or wrap meats or fish.
- Bags used solely to contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods.
- Bags used solely to contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or similar items.
- Bags used to package medications distributed through a pharmacy.
- Bags used to contain or wrap dry cleaning items.
- Any bag sold in packaging containing multiple bags and packaged at the time of manufacture, such as Ziplock bags, garbage bags, pet waste bags, etc.
- Are bags used to carry out leftovers subject to the ordinance?
- Yes, all carry-out bags given to customers at restaurants are subject to the policy, unless they fall under the exempt bag uses.
- Are small checkout bags subject to the ordinance?
- Yes, any carry-out bag provided to customers is subject to the policy, regardless of size, unless they fall under the exempt bag uses. This includes bags provided to customers for things like a bottle of wine, notecards, or other small items.
- Are bags made from “biodegradable”, “compostable”, or “reusable” plastics okay to distribute?
- There is no exception for plastic bags labeled “compostable,” “biodegradable” or “made from plants”. Thicker plastic bags labeled as “reusable” are not allowed either.
- Do I have to get rid of my existing stock of plastic bags?
- Businesses may use their existing plastic bag inventory until January 1st, 2024 without financial penalty.
- Are retailers required to charge customers for paper bags?
- Yes, all businesses must charge a minimum of $0.10 for each paper bag provided to a customer. The entire charge is retained by the business.
- Any charges for paper bag shall be separately stated on any receipt provided to the customer at the time of sale and shall be identified as the "carry-out bag charge".
- Are retailers required to provide bags?
- No, retailers are not required to provide any bags and may choose to exclusively rely on customers to bring their own bags.
- Who can I contact to get more information about the ban?
- You are encouraged to share your questions or concerns via email to bagban@pittsburghpa.gov. Alternatively, you can reach out to the Environmental Enforcement Manager directly by emailing tobias.raether@pittsburghpa.gov or calling (412) 514-4261.
Updated 10/13/2023 2:04 PM