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."

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 while ensuring that customers have access to various packaging options during the transition period. The bill also specifies that grocery stores and third-party delivery services are not required to accept reusable bags from other establishments.

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