In December 2019, Philadelphia City Council passed a Single-use Plastic Bag Ban, a major advancement toward cleaning up Philadelphia’s streets and waterways and reducing plastic waste. After being delayed due to the City’s response to COVID-19, the law will now go into effect on July 1, 2021.

Businesses will be required to hang signage to inform customers of the ban by July 31, 2021. The prohibition of plastic bags will begin October 1, 2021. To ensure businesses have ample time to comply with the law, from October 1, 2021 to April 1, 2022, the City will only issue warnings on failure to use compliant bags. After April 1, 2022, the City will fully enforce the ban.

Attend an Information Session to Learn More

The Department of Commerce will be offering a series of virtual information sessions for business owners who are interested in learning more about how to comply with the requirements.

Register for one of three webinars, which will be offered on April 14, May 12, and June 16 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Each webinar will provide an overview of the plastic bag ban legislation and its requirements. Attendees will then have an opportunity to ask questions.

Register to attend one of the information sessions below:

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