Yap enforces ban of plastic grocery bags at stores

COLONIA, Yap (Yap EPA, Press Statement, 7 July, 2014RR) 

The Yap State Environmental Protection Agency (Yap EPA) wishes to remind all retailers of their obligations under Yap State Law 8-45 and the Yap EPA Plastic Bag Regulations. 

As of 4 July 2014, retailers are not permitted to distribute plastic grocery bags to customers. Police officers and Yap EPA officers will be monitoring retailer compliance with this requirement.  Retailers who distribute plastic grocery bags to customers will be liable for a fine of $100 per violation.

Plastic bags that are included within the ban are the grocery bags with handles made from thin plastic.  Plastic bags that are still permissible include trash can liners, fresh produce bags, freezer bags and snap lock bags, and plastic that is an integral part of the packaging of a product that is sealed prior to sale.

Retailers are also reminded that the Plastic Bag Regulations require all retailers to display the sign contained in Annexure A to the Plastic Bag Regulations at the front of their stores and at the cashier until 4 March 2015.  Failing to comply with this requirement constitutes an offense, for which retailers can be fined $100 per day.

The plastic grocery bag ban is consistent with the Government’s attempt to reduce plastic waste and pollution within Yap State. Any person with questions regarding the plastic grocery bag ban should contact the Yap State Legislature, or Yap EPA.  Retailers with excess plastic grocery bags may contact Yap EPA for assistance with the environmentally safe disposal of those plastic grocery bags prior to 4 October 2014.