Guilford Reinstates Plastic Bag Ban

GUILFORD, CT — First Selectman Matt Hoey issued an executive order Thursday that reinstates the ban on plastic bags used in grocery and other retail stores. So break out the reusable bags, effective June 15.

On March 10, Gov. Ned Lamont declared a public health emergency and a civil preparedness emergency in response to the global coronavirus pandemic. A few days later, Hoey also declared a state of emergency and followed it up with a temporary suspension of the prohibition of the use of plastic bags.

Now, Hoey said that "due to the widespread installation and use of Plexiglas barriers and enhanced surface sanitation" in grocery stores, his temporary suspension of the prohibition of the use of plastic bags "is no longer needed to protect the public health from COVID-19."

So, the town's ban on plastic bags is back beginning in two weeks.