Question: Regarding the 15-cent bag fee, do thrift stores have to charge it even if the bag is used? I am referring to bags used to carry out merchandise. Thrift stores sell used merchandise, and some hand it to the customer in bags recycled from other stores; people donate their old bags to the thrift store for that purpose.
Answer: Yes, thrift stores must charge the fee, whether the checkout bag is used or new, and they must provide only the types of bag acceptable under the law, said Markus Owens, spokesman for the city’s Department of Environmental Services, which administers the revised Oahu bag ban that took effect July 1.
“The ban affects all commercial enterprises or establishments operating in the City and County of Honolulu, including not-for-profit businesses,” he said.
The law, spelled out in Chapter 9, Article 9 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, prohibits Oahu businesses from providing plastic checkout bags and nonrecyclable paper bags at the point of sale to transport merchandise, with exceptions (more on that in the next question).
Businesses may provide reusable bags, compostable plastic bags or recyclable paper bags at the point of sale to transport merchandise, as long as they charge at least 15 cents per bag. The law makes no distinction between new or used bags.
You are one of several readers to ask about thrift stores. Likewise, the bag fee also applies at trade shows, craft fairs, farmers markets and other venues beyond grocery stores and malls, said Tina Yamaki, president of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii trade association.
Kokua Line has received many other questions about the law, including the following:
Q: I thought a bag was provided without cost if you purchased prepared foods. Am I mistaken?
A: The 15-cent bag fee is not required by law for prepared foods, whether takeout from a Chinese restaurant, sandwiches from a sub shop, a plate lunch from a food truck or trays of roast chicken or grilled steak from grocery stores (all examples of unexpected fees we’ve been asked about).
However, the fact that the fee is not mandatory doesn’t mean the business has to provide a bag for free. Businesses selling prepared foods may choose to charge for carryout bags despite the law’s exemption or decide not to offer carryout bags at all.
They shouldn’t blame the fee on the law, though, because you are correct that there is an exemption for bags “used to protect or transport prepared foods, beverages or bakery goods.”
This exemption is not limited to restaurant takeout food, as other readers have asked.
Q: I don’t understand what they mean by reusable bag. Any bag is reusable if you are careful.
A: The law defines a reusable bag as “a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made of: (1) cloth or other washable fabric; or (2) durable material suitable for reuse, including plastic that is at least 2.25 mils thick.” After Jan. 1, 2020, plastic film bags will no longer be considered reusable under this law.
Mahalo
I would like to thank two young women who helped my husband and me find a wedding venue in Waimanalo on Sunday. We were so very lost and asked these two women who were walking along the road for directions. They tried so hard to tell us how to get to the location, but we were so confused that we couldn’t understand what they were telling us. They then used their smartphones to gather more information for us, and finally we understood where we had to turn. We can’t thank them enough for the help they provided, and we did reach the venue in time for the wedding. We want them to know how much we appreciated their help. — Two grateful seniors from Kailua
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
