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FAQ Regarding the Plastic Bag Ban Why Has Amherst

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FAQ Regarding the Plastic Bag Ban Why Has Amherst FAQ Regarding the Plastic Bag Ban On May 25, 2016, Amherst Town Meeting enacted the Single Use Plastic Bag Prohibition bylaw to reduce the use of single use plastic bags and increase the usage of reusable, recyclable and/or biodegradable bags. The departments of Economic Development, Conservation and Public Health are partnering to help with the implementation of the bylaw and its intended purpose in the town of Amherst, to reduce plastic bag use overall. The following are frequently asked questions both about, and how to be in compliance with, the bylaw: Why has Amherst instituted a plastic bag ban? Amherst Town Meeting approved the citizen petition to ban single-use plastic bags because of the significant, harmful long-term effects of these bags on our environment. Many businesses have already recognized this and moved away from single-use plastic bags and we want to help your business do the same. Does this bylaw apply to my business? The bylaw applies only to retail, retail food, or service retail establishments within the Town of Amherst. Are there any exemptions? Yes. The bylaw does not apply to any type of business or not-for-profit organization that is not listed above. Also, bags used to contain dry cleaning, newspapers, produce, meat, cheese, bulk foods, wet items and other similar merchandise are permissible. What are the different types of plastic bags? There are many different types of plastic bags. Please see the “Bag Comparison Chart” to better understand the types of bags and whether they are compliant with the bylaw. What are the types of bags that are allowed for use under the bylaw? The bylaw allows for the use of the following: a. Reusable bags made of thick plastic greater than 3 mils, cloth, fabric or other durable material which can be used multiple times. b. Biodegradable bags that do not contain polymers derived from fossil fuels and will decompose at a rate comparable to other biodegradable materials such as paper, leaves and food waste. c. Compostable bags that meet the ASTM D6400 standard for compostable plastic and are able to be municipally or industrially composted. d. Recyclable paper bags that are 100% recyclable, contain a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content and display the word “Recyclable” or the words “Please Recycle” on the bag itself. I looked at the “Bag Comparison Chart” but I’m still unsure whether my bags are allowed – what should I do? You should contact your bag supplier or bag manufacturer. They should be able to tell you the thickness of the bag, and whether it meets the requirements of a reusable plastic bag, biodegradable plastic bag, compostable plastic bag, or recyclable paper bag, as defined by the bylaw. If you are still unsure, you should contact the Amherst Health Department at (413) 259-3077. What are “degradable” bags, and are they allowed under the bylaw? No. A degradable plastic bag has additives which accelerate their breakdown in to smaller pieces. The plastic beads of material get into waterways and adversely impact marine wildlife that consume them, mistaking them for food, which often results in mortality. What is a “mil” and how can I measure the thickness of a bag? A “mil” is one-thousandth (0.001) of an inch. Manufacturers use different ways to measure thickness, including mils, gauge, microns, millimeters, and inches. For your convenience, we’ve included the chart below which is based on the “Gauge Thickness Conversion Chart” (http://www.uspackagingandwrapping.com/blog/Gauge-Thickness- Conversion-Chart.html) and added everyday examples for reference. Mil Gauge Micron Millimeter Inch Examples Grocery store bag with handles; common .50 50 12.5 .0127 .0005 plastic wrap .75 75 19 .0190 .0007 Dry cleaning bag 1.0 100 25 .0254 .0010 Grocery store produce bags 1.5 150 38 .0380 .0015 Bread bag Standard retail shopping bag; resealable 2.0 200 50 .0508 .0020 sandwich baggie 3.0 300 75 .75 .0030 Heavy duty trash bag What is the most environmentally sensitive choice I can make as a business owner? The most environmentally friendly choice you can make as a business owner is to encourage your customers to bring their own bags. If you must provide bags, each option has specific considerations to take into account. For example, reusable plastic bags have less of an environmental impact than thin-film, single-use plastic bags if reused 100 or more times, biodegradable bags must reach a temperature of 122° F and be exposed to sunlight in order to break down, degradable bags degrade into harmful plastic beads, and recyclable paper bags require that trees be cut down. Under the bylaw, you may choose to charge a small, reasonable fee for the bags you provide. Can I reuse plastic bags for customers that are used in packaging when I receive ordered merchandise, or previously used plastic bags that are donated to my business? Yes. The goal of the bylaw is to reduce the number of plastic bags that enter the waste stream. Therefore, reuse of plastic bags is permissible. I have a hardship in complying with this bylaw, how can I get a deferment? If the conditions of the single-use plastic bag bylaw would cause undue hardship on your business, you may apply to the Amherst Board of Health for a deferment. Deferments may only be granted for a maximum of one year. If the hardship remains after one year, you may reapply prior to the end of the deferment period. I already have a number of single-use plastic bags in stock, what should I do? You should apply to the Amherst Board of Health for a one year deferment by June 30, 2017 Where can I get more information about the plastic bag ban and how to comply with it? You may contact the Health Inspectors at Inspection Services at (413) 259- 3030.
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