The Philadelphia Bag Ban takes effect on October 1, 2021. 

This new law applies to purchases made in supermarkets and a variety of retail and food establishments, including convenience stores, service stations, department stores, permanent booths and any other sales outlet where goods are bought.

 

Here’s what you need to know: 

·      Single-use plastic bags and paper bags that do not meet certain requirements will no longer be available at The Fresh Grocer locations in Philadelphia city limits.

 

·      In store customers will have the following options:

1.    Purchase compliant bags at the register: $.20* per bag for paper bags with handles or—where available—$.33 per bag* or 3 for $.99* for reusable-plastic bags.

2.    Purchase sturdy reusable tote bags made of polypropylene and other materials for $1.25 apiece and up.

3.    Bring your own reusable bags and avoid bag charges.

 

·      In store customers who use self-checkout registers will pay for bags by entering the number and type of bags they purchase on the screen when prompted.

 

·      The Fresh Grocer Online customers will have their orders bagged in compliant paper bags with handles, at a cost of $.20 per bag used. Due to COVID-19, we are unable to store and/or use customers’ personal bags for online orders. At this time, Fresh Grocer Online departments cannot accommodate pickup customers who wish to bring their own bags to the store.

 

·      There is no ban on or charge for plastic bags without handles used to hold prescription medication or food items from the Produce, Deli, Meat or Seafood departments.

 

·      The bag ban does not exempt customers who use EBT, WIC or SNAP. These customers must pay for bags.

 

To learn more about the Philadelphia Bag Ban, visit https://www.phila.gov/programs/plastic-bag-ban/.

*Plus tax