More Information for Businesses
A bag ordinance could affect the types of bags many businesses provide their customers. Following are five key points businesses should know about the proposed ordinance:
- Reusable bags – whether made of plastic or other materials – would have to meet several requirements. For example, reusable bags provided by retailers would have to be
- Under the proposed ordinance, retailers would be required to charge at least 10 cents for new, reusable plastic bags and paper bags. Customers receiving supplemental food assistance would be excluded from this rule.
- Retailers would keep the proceeds from the bag charge to cover costs associated with complying with the proposed ordinance, offering recycled paper or reusable bags and providing educational materials.
- Some single-use plastic bags would still be available, including:
- prescription medicine bags
- bags used to protect food from contamination from items such as meat
- bags for unwrapped food purchases such as produce
- bags used to protect dry-cleaned clothing
- Retailers found guilty of violating the ordinance could incur fines to include $100 for a first offense to $500 for repeated offenses in the same year. Repeated violations also could result in suspension or revocation of a business license.
Organizations can invite a speaker from the County to talk about the proposed ordinance by contacting the Department of Government and Community Services. Email gcs@richlandcountysc.gov or call 803-576-1547.
For more information, contact Richland County’s Business Service Center by emailing bagordinance@richlandcountysc.gov.