Refuse Division

Plastic Bag Ban

The production of bags and their distribution to customers at the point of sale has had significant impacts on the environment. Chapter 9, Article 9 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu regulates the types of bags provided to customers on Oahu, effective July 1, 2015. The City and County of Honolulu (city) passed this bag ban to preserve the health, safety, welfare, and scenic and natural beauty of our island, and to reduce the volume of bags that are disposed of as solid waste. The city’s Department of Environmental Services is assigned the responsibility to implement and enforce this bag ban.  Please report any violations to the Recycling Branch via email to businessrecycle@honolulu.gov or by phone at (808) 768-3200 ext. 6.

Plastic Bag Ban Tip Card

• Effective July 1, 2015, Ordinance 12-8 prohibited businesses from providing plastic checkout bags and non-recyclable paper bags to their customers at the point of sale for the purpose of transporting groceries or other merchandise.
• Effective July 1, 2015, Ordinance 14-29 amended the plastic bag ban to include a new definition for “Compostable Plastic Bag” to apply a standard to the decomposition of compostable plastic bags. The amendment also included a revision to the definition of “Plastic Bag”.
• Effective July 1, 2018, Ordinance 17-37 amended the plastic bag ban. Businesses are required to charge customers a minimum of 15 cents per reusable, compostable plastic or recyclable paper bag they provide to customers at the point of sale for the purpose of transporting groceries or other merchandise. Also included in this amendment is a requirement that, effective January 1, 2020, plastic film bags with a thickness of 10 mils or less shall no longer be considered “reusable bags”, and compostable plastic bags shall no longer be provided.
• Effective January 1, 2021, the Disposable Food Ware Ordinance (Ordinance 19-30) will amend the plastic bag ban by modifying the definitions of both “plastic checkout bag” and “plastic film bag,” which includes changes to the bag exemptions. Additionally, there will be a new definition for “plastic.” Please note, ROH Chapter 9, Article 9 will be updated after the effective date.

In the image above we show three types of bags that businesses are prohibited from providing:  PLASTIC FILM BAG, COMPOSTABLE PLASTIC BAG AND REUSABLE PLASTIC BAG (unless greater than 10 mils at 15 cents charge to the customer).

In the image above we also show three types of bags that businesses are allowed to provide at a charge of 15 cents to the customer: REUSABLE CLOTH or WASHABLE FABRIC BAG REUSABLE PAPER BAG and RECYCLABLE PAPER BAG. 

Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB)

Keep forgetting your bags? Stash reusable bags in convenient grab-and-go locations like by the door, near keys, or in your car. Foldable bags can be stored easily in your backpack or purse. Washing reusable bags regularly is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic; be sure to use soap and the warmest appropriate water setting, and then dry completely.