USA: Honolulu City Council amends single-use bag Ordinance - biodegradable bags no longer exempt

On July 9, the City and County Council of Honolulu approved Bill 38 (2014) CD1, modifying Ordinance 12-8, which bans single-use plastic bags and is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2015.
Ordinance 12-8 would have allowed the use of biodegradable plastic bags, but according to Bill 38 (2014) CD1, “The department of environmental services has been unable to identify a clear and reliable industry standard that meets the definition of “biodegradable” plastic bag in Ordinance 12-8.” Therefore, biodegradable bags will no longer be exempt from the ban. Recyclable paper bags will remain acceptable for distribution (State Recycling Laws Update, 31 July 2014).
Click here for Bill 38 (135 kB).

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