Hawaii backs ban on bags

United States – The list of US states to support the so-called ‘bag ban’ is complete following its adoption in Hawaii on January 17.

Prior to completely banning plastic bags by July 2015, Hawaiian authorities will demand a fee only on bags used at shops. The island state will also require paper bags to contain ‘at least’ 40% recycled product. However, plastic bags used to hold ‘bulk items’ – such as meat, small hardware, clothing and prescription drugs – are exempt from the law.

Hawaii County Mayor Bill Kenoi has written in a letter to city council members: ‘In the end, this bill is not about plastic bags, politics or the Hawaii County City Council. It’s about protecting our beautiful island.’