Proposed Amendment to the Law for Promoting Reusable Bags and the Regulation of Plastic Bags

September 6, 2018

In a new effort to ban the use of plastic bags in Puerto Rico, the House of Representatives introduced Bill Number 1745. The House’s Bill removes polypropylene or polyethylene (non woven) bags from the definition of reusable bags. It also includes this type of bags in the definition of disposable plastic bags upon which a full ban is set. The ban also would apply to food establishments like restaurants, fast foods or any business where 90% or more of its income is obtained from the sale of ready-to-serve food. Last, but not least, the Bill requires business owners to provide its customers, free of charge, a reusable or paper bag, or a container to carry out any merchandise purchased. No public hearings have been scheduled by the House Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs. If approved by the House, the bill will move on to the Puerto Rico Senate, where it may be referred to the Senate Committee on Environmental Health and Natural Resources.

Goldman Antonetti & Cordóva, LLC stands ready to assist as you and your business adjust to Puerto Rico’s regulatory and legal changes. If you need further assistance in this area, please contact the following members of our firm:

Alicia Lamboy Mombille, Esq.
787.759.4144
[email protected]

Gretchen Méndez, Esq.
787.759.4207
[email protected]

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