TITLE 23
Health and Safety
CHAPTER 23-18.11
Promotion of Paper Bag Usage
SECTION 23-18.11-1
§ 23-18.11-1 Paper bag incentive.
(a) The general assembly finds that discarded packaging constitutes a
significant category of waste within the state's waste system and is,
therefore, a necessary focus of any effort to preserve the capacity of the
central landfill, as well as to reduce economic and environmental costs of
waste management for the citizens of this state.
(b) In furtherance of state source reduction and recycling
policies, it is the intent of this legislation to promote the use of paper bags
as a preferred alternative to plastic bags. Paper bags are frequently made from
recycled paper fiber, are recyclable and degradable, and minimize the use of
non-renewable resources, including natural gas and petroleum.
(c) The general assembly has determined that certain retail
establishments within the state are points of origin for a substantial volume
of plastic bags and, therefore, are particularly susceptible to actions which
have significant potential for simplifying the chemical composition of this
portion of the state's waste stream, thereby improving solid waste management
within this state.
History of Section.
(P.L. 1988, ch. 424, § 1.)