Proposed Bylaw Would Ban Plastic Carryout Bags in Hamilton

Proposed language that would ban plastic carry-out bags in Hamilton has been posted on the town’s website.

According to the proposed bylaw, retail establishments would be prohibited from providing customers with plastic carryout bags, which is defined as a “bag provided by a store to a customer at the point of sale for the purpose of removing products purchased at the store.” The bylaw does not prohibit the use of bags used by customers to collect loose items in the store, such as produce or bulk foods.

The bylaw defines retail establishments as ”business facility that sells goods directly to the consumer including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, ’mini-marts,’ and retail stores and vendors selling clothing, food, and household or personal items.”

Under the bylaw, stores can provide reusable bags, paper bags or bags made from specific compostable or biodegradable polymers.

Enforcement of the proposed bylaw will fall to the Board of Health and Health Agent and will include fines ranging from $25 for the first offense to $50 for each subsequent offense, with the fines being cumulative. Each day or portion of the day counts as a separate offense.

A second proposed bylaw would also ban the use of polystyrene food and beverage containers in town. That language is also available online.

We want to know what you think. Do you support banning plastic carryout bags in Hamilton? Do you routinely bring your own reusable bags or choose paper? Tell us in the comments!