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As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Carryout bag means a bag used by the customer at the point of sale for the purpose of removing products purchased from retail establishments. "Carryout bag" does not include plastic barrier bags, double-opening plastic bags, or plastic bags measuring larger than 28 inches by 36 inches.
Double-opening plastic bag means any thin plastic bag with a double opening (top and bottom) to protect clothing or other items for transport.
Paper bag means a paper bag that is fully recyclable overall and contains a minimum of 40 percent post-consumer recycled content and contains no old growth fiber.
Plastic bag means a bag where any portion of the bag is made of plastic, including, but not limited to, those called "biodegradable, "compostable" or "oxo-biodegradable."
Plastic barrier bag means any thin plastic bag with a single opening used to: a.
Transport fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, small hardware items, or other items selected by customers to the point of sale;
b.
Contain or wrap fresh or frozen foods, meat, or fish, whether prepackaged or not;
c.
Contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other items where damage to a good or contamination of other goods placed together in the same bag may be a problem; or
d.
Contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods.
Recyclable plastic means plastic that meets the current Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation's standards.
Retail sales establishment means any enterprise, person, corporation, partnership, business venture, or vendor that sells or provides merchandise, goods, or materials directly to a customer, whether for or not for profit, including, but not limited to, retail stores, farmers' markets, fleamarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores, liquor stores, seasonal and temporary businesses, jewelry stores, and household goods stores. This does not include sales of goods at yard sales, tag sales, or other sales by residents at their homes.
Reusable carryout bag means a bag with handles which are stitched and not heat-fused that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse. The bag must be made of washable cloth, other durable woven or nonwoven fabric, or durable plastic film that is recyclable plastic with a minimum thickness of four mils.
(Ch. 737, § I, 5-7-19)