Charleston County's Bold Move: Thicker Plastic Bags Banned to Safeguard Our Coast

Charleston County is once again making waves in its commitment to environmental preservation, as the County Council recently passed a significant ordinance targeting a new category of plastic pollution. Building on previous efforts, the council has now moved to ban "non-reusable" plastic bags with a thickness of less than 4 mils, setting a new standard for sustainability in the region.

This latest legislative action comes as a direct response to a new state law, House Bill 3529, which unfortunately restricts local governments from implementing bans on thin plastic bags.

However, the state legislation does provide a crucial loophole, allowing counties and municipalities to regulate thicker plastic bags, as well as other single-use items like plastic straws. Charleston County has seized this opportunity, demonstrating its unwavering dedication to protecting its pristine coastal environment and rich marine life.

The newly approved ordinance, passed with a decisive 7-1 vote, specifically prohibits the distribution of single-use plastic bags that are not designed for repeated use and fall below the 4-mil thickness threshold.

This means that while traditional thin grocery bags are now outside local regulatory reach due to the state law, their slightly thicker counterparts are firmly in the county's sights.

For businesses and residents, the new ban will officially take effect on January 1, 2025, providing ample time for adaptation and transition to more sustainable alternatives.

The county is encouraging the widespread adoption of reusable bags, a practice that not only reduces plastic waste but also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility.

Why such a focus on plastic bags? The answer lies in the devastating impact plastic pollution has on our planet, particularly our precious waterways and fragile ecosystems.

Millions of plastic bags end up in landfills or, worse, polluting oceans, harming marine animals, and breaking down into microplastics that infiltrate our food chain. This ban is a critical step in mitigating that damage, ensuring a healthier future for Charleston’s iconic beaches, marshes, and wildlife.

Enforcement of the new ordinance will be carried out by Charleston County Code Enforcement officers.

Businesses found in violation will face escalating penalties: a $100 fine for the first offense, $200 for the second, and a $500 fine for the third and any subsequent violations. These fines underscore the seriousness with which the county views this environmental initiative.

It's important to note that the ban does include several key exemptions, ensuring convenience for specific uses while still achieving its environmental objectives.

Exempted items include bags used for produce, meats, newspapers, dry cleaning, prescription medications, restaurant take-out orders, and durable medical equipment. Crucially, genuinely reusable bags—those specifically designed for multiple uses—are not affected by the ban.

Despite legislative challenges at the state level, Charleston County remains a beacon of environmental stewardship.

This proactive measure to ban thicker plastic bags is a testament to its resolve to safeguard its natural beauty and protect its community from the long-term consequences of plastic pollution. The message is clear: Charleston County is committed to a greener, cleaner future, one bag at a time.