Single Use Plastics Ordinance Goes Into Effect Today! - 4/10/2025

Single Use Plastics Ordinance Goes Into Effect Today! – 4/10/2025

Last fall, Plymouth council enacted an ordinance aimed at reducing single-use plastics consumption within the township. More information about the ordinance can be found here.

Earlier this year, a Sewer Bill Insert was mailed to all residents. That insert can be viewed here.

A separate Retail Business Mailing was also sent to applicable Plymouth Businesses within the last few months. That mailing can be viewed here.

We also notified readers of the Plymouth Township spring newsletter about this ordinance (Page 9).

Starting today:

– Per ordinance Sec 17-3: commercial establishments shall not distribute single-use plastic carry-out bags to any customer either at the commercial establishment, off site, or in conjunction with a delivery.

– Per ordinance Sec 17-4 (a): retail establishments shall not distribute a non-recyclable paper bag to any customer either at the commercial establishment, off site, or in conjunction with a delivery.

– Per ordinance Sec 17-7 (a): …and for six months thereafter, retail establishments that possess an egress towards the retail establishments parking lot, are required to post at all points of entry conspicuous signage informing customers that single-use plastic bags and non-recyclable paper bags will no longer be distributed by the establishment as of the date the prohibition begins; explain what types of bags and purchases are impacted; and providing any other information the Township may require by regulation. See below section for signage resources.

– Per ordinance Sec 17-7 (b): …and for six months thereafter, retail establishments are required to post at all points of sale conspicuous signage informing customers that single-use plastic bags and non-recyclable paper bags will no longer be distributed by the establishment as of the date the prohibition begins; explain what types of bags and purchases are impacted; and providing any other information the Township may require by regulation. See below section for signage resources.

– Per ordinance Sec 17-8 and 17-9: retail establishments shall not distribute single-use plastic straws or utensils, except upon request of the customer.

Starting today,

A person or commercial establishment that violates the requirements of this chapter shall be guilty of a summary offense and, upon conviction thereof in any District Justice Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, shall: 1) Be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $50 for a first offense; 2) Be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $100 for a second offense; and 3) Be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $ 200 for a third or any subsequent offense.

More information can be found in the ordinance here.