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Austin's Ban On Retail Single-Use Bags Begins

Posted: Mar 1, 2013 8:10 AM

AUSTIN - A Central Texas city's ban on retail single-use bags has begun.

Austin on Friday started its ban on certain thin paper and plastic bags amid environmental concerns. The Austin City Council a year ago approved the ordinance.

Retailers will be allowed to offer thicker plastic and paper bags with handles, which Austin officials consider reusable. Retailers will decide whether to charge for those bags. Customers can also take reusable bags to stores.

Ban exemptions include dry-cleaning bags, newspaper delivery bags, some types of takeout food bags and bags used for fish, meat, poultry, produce, bulk goods and pharmaceuticals.

Businesses that do not comply could face a Class C misdemeanor punishable by daily fines of up to $2,000.

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