Quite a few municipalities have managed to ban the practice of giving out non-biodegradeable plastic bags at checkout, including three of Hawaii’s four counties. Last month, the Honolulu County Council passed its own ban, making Hawaii the first state where single-use plastic bags in stores are verboten.

It’s important to note that this isn’t a statewide ban, like California tried and failed a few years ago. It just means that each county has passed its own separate ban.

There are some useful exceptions, including: dry-cleaning bags, bags for live fish, door-hanger bags, prescription drug bags, and (thank goodness) dog waste bags. Retailers have until 2015 to comply and get rid of their existing bag stocks.

Should Plastic Shopping Bags Be Banned?

Plastic Bags Banned on All Hawaiian Islands [Plastic Bag Ban Report]

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