Honolulu stores begin charging for bags

HONOLULU — Honolulu businesses have begun charging at least 15 cents per bag provided to customers at checkout.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports a city bill signed into law last year requires businesses to charge customers for compostable, recyclable paper or reusable carryout bags.

Honolulu has banned plastic bags since July 2015, but businesses were allowed give out thicker plastic bags considered reusable.

Under the new law, businesses will no longer be able to provide the thicker plastic bags by January 2020.

The city Department of Environmental Services says it sent out notices to more than 10,000 businesses last year, informing them of the bag rules. A reminder notice was sent in April.

Businesses found in violation of the law could be fined up to $1,000 for each day.

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Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com