East Providence Plastic Bag Ban To Take Effect

EAST PROVIDENCE — The ban on plastic bag used at store checkouts will go into effect in East Providence on Nov. 7. The ban aims to curb litter in the streets, protect the waterways, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage the use to reusable carryout bags, city officials say.

"Single-use plastic bags not only have a negative impact on our environment because they clog drains causing flooding and are the main component of landfill litter, but they also kill wildlife and cost cities millions in recycling fees," said Mayor Bob DaSilva.

The City Council had approved the plastic bag ban last spring, after Councilwoman Anna Sousa proposed an amendment to the city's sanitation ordinance. East Providence is now one of several Rhode Island communities to implement the ban.

"A clean ocean and marine life are of the utmost importance for us in Rhode Island being that we are the Ocean State," said Sousa. "Finally banning plastic bags is just one of many actions needed to protect our environment and the animals that live in it."

For more information about East Providence's plastic bag ban, call the mayor's office at 401-435-7500.