Brigantine Plastic Bag Ban Starts June 1, 2019

Starting on June 1, Brigantine will officially ban most plastic bags.

After growing pressure from regional green teams, Brigantine City Council has finally decided to join Ventnor and other shore towns in this ban.

An effort to rid our streets, beaches, wetlands, parks, ocean and bay of plastic bags.

All residents and visitors are reminded to bring reusable bags when shopping.

Plastic bags are still OK for produce, meat and seafood, dry cleaning, bulk food, prescriptions and bait.

HISTORY: In August 2014, California became the first state to enact legislation imposing a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags at large retail stores. The bill also required a 10-cent minimum charge for recycled paper bags, reusable plastic bags, and compostable bags at certain locations

Plastic bags are not recyclable. They often make their way into our coastal waters. Marine life sometimes mistake the floating plastic for food.

It shall be unlawful for any Commercial Establishment to provide single-use carryout bags to any customer or individual for the purpose of transporting products or goods out of the business or store, except as otherwise provided in this Chapter.

Exceptions to Prohibition. Single-Use Carryout Bags may be provided by a Commercial Establishment in the following circumstances:

A. Any single-use carryout bag, which is a maximum of 11 inches by 17 inches, without handles provided for the customer (1) to transport produce, bulk food, meat, or seafood from a produce, bulk food, meat or seafood department within a store to the point of sale; or (2) to hold prescription medication dispensed from a pharmacy.

B. Any single-use carryout bag provided for the purposes of transporting any live or previously live and now frozen substance used to attract and catch fish and/or crabs.

C. A 40” Dry Cleaner Poly Garment Bag.

Enforcement. The City Licensing Officer shall have the authority to enforce the law. Fines could be as high as $500.