Mansfield Plastic Bag Law Goes Into Effect

MANSFIELD, CT— Mansfield's "Bring Your Own Bag" ordinance's phase-in period has concluded. The ordinance passed in March along with a six-month phase-in period that ended Sept. 12, according to a statement from the town.

The state also passed a law in August that requires requires retail establishments to charge ten cents per plastic checkout bag provided to customers. It also allows municipalities to enact and enforce their own ordinances concerning single-use plastic checkout bags, provided they are as restrictive or more restrictive as the state legislation.

As of Friday, Mansfield businesses will no longer be allowed to issue plastic checkout bags to its customers. This includes grocery stores, department stores, hardware stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, restaurants, catering trucks and convenience stores.

Customers will still have access to produce and product bags, dry cleaner bags and trash bags. Paper checkout bags are still permissible, but some stores may elect to charge for them. The best option is to bring your own bags with you as you shop in town.

Residents in need of reusable bags may find them in various town offices – Town Clerk, Human Services, Tax Collector, Public Works and the Nash Zimmer Transportation Center.

For more information, please visit the Mansfield reusable bag website.