Substitute House Bill No. 6229 seeks to significantly reduce single-use plastics and polystyrene waste in Connecticut by prohibiting various entities, including state and municipal agencies, schools, and vendors with government contracts, from selling, using, purchasing, or providing specific single-use plastic products, such as polystyrene foodware and straws, effective July 1, 2027. The bill allows for exceptions for biodegradable straws upon request and mandates the Departments of Consumer Protection and Energy and Environmental Protection to develop an enforcement plan that includes educational outreach, compliance timelines, and penalties for violations. Municipalities are also permitted to implement stricter regulations than those outlined in the bill.

Additionally, starting January 1, 2027, all state and municipal buildings, including schools, are required to install and maintain bottle-filling stations to promote the use of reusable water bottles. A task force will be established to study the reduction of single-use plastics, identify sustainable alternatives, and provide recommendations for improving processing infrastructure, with a report due by February 1, 2026. The bill includes a penalty system for violations, with first offenses resulting in a warning and subsequent violations incurring fines of up to $250. Overall, the legislation emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in waste management and aims to foster a circular economy in the state.