Bill > HB1886

This bill amends Pennsylvania's commerce and trade regulations to establish guidelines for bag usage, specifically addressing single-use plastic bags. The legislation defines three key types of bags: single-use plastic bags (which include petroleum and plant-based plastic bags), compliant bags (recyclable paper bags with at least 40% postconsumer recycled material or durable reusable bags with cloth handles), and exempted bags like produce bags, pharmacy prescription bags, and bags used for specific purposes like packaging meat or containing frozen foods. The bill requires retail establishments that ban single-use plastic bags to provide compliant bags to customers at no cost. Notably, the definition of "retail establishment" is broad, encompassing stores, restaurants, pharmacies, convenience stores, and seasonal businesses. The law provides detailed specifications for what constitutes a compliant bag, such as being recyclable, containing recycled material, and displaying "recyclable" or "reusable" on the bag's exterior. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing businesses time to adapt to the new requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1886