Beginning January 1, 2017
All businesses in the Virgin Islands are prohibited from providing plastic checkout bags and non-recyclable paper bags for groceries or other merchandise.
>Download ACT 7938 - Plastic Bag Ban(PDF format)
Beginning April 1, 2017
Any business violating any provision or any regulation adopted by law will be subject to:
- An order to discontinue distribution of prohibited bags, and
- A civil fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,000 for each day of violation.
Exemptions include:
- Bags used inside a business to package loose items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, ground coffee, grains, candies and or small hardware items;
- Bags used to contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish , flowers or potted plants or other items to contain dampness;
- Bags used to protect or transport prepared foods, beverages, or bakery goods;
- Bags for prescription medication, newspaper home delivery bags, door-hanger bags, laundry, dry cleaning, or garment bags including bags to provide d to hotel guest to contain wet or dirty clothing;
- Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended for use as garbage, pet waste, or yard waste bags;
- Bags used to contain live animals, such as fish or insects sold in pet stores; or
- Bags used to transport chemical pesticides, drain-cleaning chemicals, or other caustic chemicals sold at the retail level; provided that this exemption is limited to one bag per customer.
Checkout Bags Allowed
Recyclable Paper Bags
- One hundred percent recyclable;
- Contains a minimum of 40% recycled content; and
- Display the word “Reusable” and Recyclable” in a highly visible manner on the outside.
Reusable Bags
A bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made of:
- Cloth or other washable fabric; or
- Durable material for reuse, including plastic that is at least 2.25 mils thick.