In October of 2009, the Kauai County Council adopted a law
that requires all retail establishments to provide only recyclable paper bags or
reusable bags to their customers effective January 11, 2011. The purpose of the
legislation was to reduce the significant impacts of plastic checkout bags on the
environment, which include litter, an increasing burden on the landfill, and
threats to marine life.
The ordinance encourages customers to bring their own reusable bags while
shopping, and does not preclude retailers from offering checkout bags for sale
to those customers who do not bring their own bags.
In October and November of 2010, public information meetings were held in
order to discuss the legislation and draft rules. If you have questions, please
call the County Recycling Office at 241-4841.