Plastic bags banned in 2021

Consumers and many businesses in Delaware will no longer be able to use or distribute single-use plastic carryout bags at checkouts starting Friday, Jan. 1.

Under House Bill 130, single-use plastic bags will no longer be available from larger stores of more than 7,000 square feet, as well as smaller stores of 3,000 square feet or more with at least three locations in Delaware. Supermarkets and big-box stores are affected, as well as chain stores and convenience stores. Restaurants are not subject to the ban, nor are small stores with one or two locations.

Retailers can choose to offer paper bags, cloth bags or a thicker type of plastic bag that is reusable. The law allows retail stores to charge a fee for the bags they provide.

All retail stores affected by the law are required to provide an at-store recycling program for plastic bags and other plastics, such as cereal box liners, newspaper sleeves and single-use produce or meat bags.

Grocery stores can still offer plastic bags for fruits and vegetables, and to wrap meats in.

The drop-off locations must be visible and accessible within the store. Plastic bags should not be placed in bins that are part of the state’s curbside recycling program but should instead be returned to stores for recycling, said Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control officials.