Since July 1, 2022, retailers in the State of Delaware have been required to not provide plastic carryout bags at the point of sale. This is intended to help reduce beach and roadside litter and decrease the impact of plastic bags at the sorting facility that manages material from Delaware’s Universal Recycling program.

The Plastic Carryout Bag Ban and At Store Recycling Program is managed under Section 14 of the Regulations Governing Solid Waste (7 DE Admin Code 1301) and the At-Store Recycling Program Statute (7 Del. Code § 6099A).

Information and Resources for Retailers

All retail stores in Delaware must comply with the law, regardless of size or number of store locations. The only exceptions are restaurants.

Store owners should use the storefront posters provided by DNREC to remind consumers that plastic carryout bags will not be provided.

Answers to frequently asked questions from retailers are available.

Retail stores that offer exempt plastic bags to consumers for bulk items such as fruits/vegetables, which are still allowed under the law, are required to provide an At-Store Recycling Program for plastic bags and film.

Retailers should use the signs provided by DNREC (in multiple languages) to remind consumers of the types of plastic bags and film that are accepted in the At-Store Recycling Program.

Any additional questions should be directed to the DNREC’s Recycling Program (recycle@delaware.gov).

Information and Resources for Consumers

Retail stores may offer reusable bags, or paper bags, at checkout. Or, they may decide not to provide bags for consumers at all. Plastic film bags, regardless of thickness, are no longer allowed. The best thing to do is to bring your own reusable bags into the store.

Answers to frequently asked questions for consumers are available.

Plastic bags and film are not accepted through Delaware’s Universal Recycling Program and cannot go in curbside recycling carts or recycling dumpsters. Instead, they should be returned to a participating store to be recycled via an At-Store Recycling Program

Plastic bag and film drop-off bins are typically at a store’s entrance or by the customer service area. The drop-off bin should be visible and accessible within the store. If you’re concerned that a retail store should be participating, please contact DNREC at 302-739-9403 or recycle@delaware.gov.

Learn more in the At-Store Recycling Program Acceptable Items flyer.

Related Topics:  bag ban, bags, carryout, plastic, plastic bags, recycling, solid waste, waste, waste and hazardous substances