GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 617

Short Title:  Degradable Plastic Carrying Bags.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Representatives Redwine; and Colton.
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Referred to:  Basic Resources.
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March 15, 1989

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO PROHIBIT, AFTER JANUARY 1, 1991, RETAIL OUTLETS FROM PROVIDING PLASTIC BAGS FOR CUSTOMERS TO CARRY ITEMS FOR PURCHASE UNLESS THE PLASTIC BAGS ARE DEGRADABLE.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  G.S. 130A-290 is amended by adding a subdivision as follows:
"(1c)	‘Degradable' means is capable, after being discarded or disposed, of decomposing to components other than heavy metals or other toxic substances, due to exposure to bacteria, light, or the natural elements."
Sec. 2.  Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a subsection as follows:
"§ 130A-295.2. Degradable plastic carrying bags required.
(a)	After January 1, 1991, no plastic bag shall be provided at any retail outlet to any retail customer to use for the purpose of carrying items purchased by the customer unless the plastic bag is composed of material that is degradable within 180 days.  Notice of degradability shall be indicated on each bag.
(b)	For purposes of this section, ‘retail outlet' means any establishment that derives eighty percent (80%) or more of its income from retail sales.” 
Sec. 3.  This act is effective upon ratification.