This bill amends existing legislation to eliminate the prohibition on single-use paper bags and allows grocery stores and third-party delivery services to offer various packaging options for grocery orders for a period of three years. Specifically, it permits the use of single-use paper carryout bags (with at least 40% postconsumer recycled content), cardboard boxes, and reusable bags for groceries prepared for delivery, pickup, or curbside pickup. Customers will have the option to choose from these packaging options, and after three years, the provision of single-use paper bags and cardboard boxes will no longer be allowed. Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "third party grocery delivery service," which refers to services that employ personal shoppers to deliver groceries to customers.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that grocery stores and third-party delivery services that provide reusable bags must implement a program for the return, sanitation, and reuse of these bags, as well as options for recycling or donating them to food banks or pantries. This initiative aims to promote sustainability and responsible waste management while accommodating customer needs during the transition period. The bill also extends the timeframe for food banks and pantries to use certain bags, allowing them to continue providing single-use plastic carryout bags until 60 months after the effective date of the legislation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-99.127, 13:1E-99.128