5 States that Banned Plastic Bags

4. Rhode Island

Although Rhode Island does not have a complete ban on single-use plastic bags yet, it has taken admirable steps to discourage their use. In 2008, the state assembly enacted a law to promote the use of paper bags by retailers. Retail establishments were obligated to offer the use of paper bags to their customers. Every retail establishment that provided customers with plastic bags was required to provide conveniently located receptacles, where customers could return their clean and dry plastic bags to be recycled. Failure to comply with these laws is punishable with fines up to $500. 

Several towns and cities in the state of Rhode Island, such as Cranston, Bristol and Providence etc. have also introduced town-wide or city-wide bans on single-use plastic bags, by local legislation.