Ban On Single-Use Plastics Set To Take Effect In Newtown Township

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Beginning on Tuesday, April 9, restaurants, retail and grocery stores in Newtown Township are banned from providing customers with single-use plastic bags for groceries, merchandise purchases and takeout orders.

Under the township’s new single-use plastics ordinance, which takes effect on Tuesday, customers will need to bring a reusable bag or be prepared to purchase a paper or reusable bag at the checkout register for a nominal fee.

In addition, plastic straws and plastic utensils will only be available upon request and Styrofoam food containers will be banned.

The new ordinance, adopted last December by the board of supervisors, applies to retail establishments defined as a location where food or other products are sold to the public. They include supermarkets, convenience stores, delicatessens, department stores, dollar stores, dry-cleaners, clothing stores, restaurants, pharmacy, food truck, farmers market and delivery service.

“This is a good first step for Newtown Township,” said Supervisor Elen Snyder following approval of the ordinance last year. “We have worked very hard for four years on this. I am very proud of the people who have helped put this together. And I think it’s a real feather in our cap.”

The Newtown Township EAC began working on a ban in 2018, but put the work on hold due to the pandemic. Following COVID, the EAC resumed its work and in early 2023 unveiled a draft ordinance for consideration by the board of supervisors.

After holding a series of public meetings and tweaking the ordinance, the board of supervisors in late 2023 approved the single-use plastics ban in a 4-1 vote with board member Kyle Davis voting against the measure.

For complete information on the new ordinance and what to expect at retail establishments in the township beginning Tuesday, click here.

Here's a list of frequently asked questions provided by Newtown Township:

1. Why a ban on certain single-use plastic in Newtown Township?

• To reduce plastic pollution and waste.
• To reduce toxic petrochemicals in our food and environment.
• To reduce the expenses of waste collection and litter clean-up.
• Thin plastic bags cannot be recycled as they contaminate and clog recycling machines.
• Single-use plastics break down into tiny particles, called microplastics, that threaten waterways, wildlife, and the public's health.

2. Which businesses does this affect?

• All retail establishments in Newtown Township must comply with the new law.
• A retail establishment includes any location where food or other products are offered to the public by direct sale or delivery. These businesses include: grocery stores and supermarkets, farmers markets, convenience stores, food marts, restaurants, take-out establishments, delivery services, clothing stores, drug stores, dry-cleaners, and stores selling non-perishable items.

3. What are the key dates to know?

• April 9, 2024 – 120 days from the effective date – retail establishments can no longer provide single-use carry out plastic bags and Styrofoam cups and containers to customers. Paper bags and reusable bags may be provided, subject to certain requirements as explained in the answers to questions 7 and 8 below. Plastic straws and utensils can only be provided upon request.
• December 11, 2024 – one year from the effective date – retail establishments who need more time to use up their plastic inventory or who cannot find alternative packaging, may apply for a transition period of up to one year from the Effective Date, instead of 120 days from the Effective Date. All Retail Establishments must fully comply with the new law by Dec. 11, 2024.

4. How did this Ordinance come about?

• On April 13, 2022, the Board of Supervisors passed a voluntary Resolution No. 2022-R-9 calling on businesses and residents to reduce the severe and growing impact of single-use plastics on our environment and on our health. Several of small businesses were receptive and switched to environmentally-friendly, reusable or recyclable bags and products. However, some of the larger businesses stated that they would comply only if there was a mandatory ordinance. Without their participation, the Newtown Township Environmental Advisory Council concluded that the voluntary approach had been ineffective.

5. What types of bags are banned under the ordinance?

• Any single-use plastic bag created through a "blown film extrusion” process, which is basically any grocery store or other plastic bags without stitched handles.

6. What bags are exempted under the ordinance?

• Plastic bags used within the store to pack or wrap perishable items, such as fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains, candy (including chocolates), or meats and fish.
• Bags used in a pet store to hold live animals such as fish or insects. These bags are no less toxic, and we encourage our businesses to find eco-friendly alternatives.

7. What type of bags will businesses be able to provide to shoppers?

• Paper bags that are labeled 100 percent recyclable, contain no old growth fiber, contain a minimum of 40 percent post-consumer recycled content and have visible labeling according to the ordinance.
• A reusable bag that has stitched handles, made of cloth or other machine washable fabric, or made of polypropylene that can be hand washed and disinfected.

8. Will retail establishments be able to charge a fee for their bags?

• Retail establishments may provide recyclable paper bags at the point of sale for a fee of not less than 10 cents per bag. All monies collected for the paper bag shall be retained by the retail establishment and the charge shall be identified on the receipt.
• The purpose of the fee for paper bags is twofold. First, it supports businesses by offsetting the added cost of paper bags. Second, it encourages consumers to bring their own bag, which is one of the goals of the ordinance.
• The retail establishment may set their own charge for their reusable bags.

9. What are the rules for plastic straws and plastic utensils under the ordinance?

• All retail establishments are prohibited from providing single-use plastic straws, stirrers and utensils, except upon request by the customer.
• Retail establishments are encouraged to switch to drinkable lids or paper straws, as well as to find alternative, eco-friendly products.

10. What polystyrene food service products are banned?

• Food containers, plates, hot and cold beverage cups, trays and clamshells. Exempted items include products to package raw, uncooked or butchered meat, fish, poultry or seafood.
• Retail establishments are encouraged to find alternative, eco-friendly or recyclable products that are readily available.

11. Will there be fines for non-compliance of the Ordinance?

• Education and understanding are most important and our first priority. Therefore, there will be a written warning for first offenses by retail establishments, before any monetary fines are imposed.
• No fines are ever imposed on customers.

12. Which Pennsylvania municipalities have passed single-use plastic ordinances?

• 26 municipalities in Pennsylvania have now passed ordinances, of which 10 were enacted in 2023.
• Second Class Townships: Solebury Township, Tredyffrin Township, West Goshen Township, Easttown Township, Lancaster Township, Montgomery Township, Upper Merion Township, Uwchlen Township, Whitemarsh Township
• First Class Townships: Haverford Township, Cheltenham Township, Radnor Township, Springfield Township, Bethlehem Township, Lower Merion Township, Upper Moreland Township, West Norriton Township
• Boroughs: Doylestown, Narberth, Media, Ambler, West Chester and Newtown Borough (effective date in September 2024).
• Cities: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia.
• Surrounding states: New Jersey, New York, Delaware