Details on the Ban of Plastic and Paper Bags in Austin
10.1.1 Plastic Bags: If made of plastic, be made of a minimum thickness of 4.0 mil;
10.1.2 Paper Bags: If made of paper, must contain a minimum of 40% recycled content beginning March 1, 2013, and contain a minimum 80% recycled content by March 1, 2014.
10.1.3 All reusable carry-out bags, whether plastic, paper, cloth or other fabric, must have consumer carrying handles.
10.1.4 Handles are not required for reusable paper carry-out bags with a height of less than 14 inches and width of less than 8 inches.
10.7.3 Restaurant Bags, limited to recyclable paper bags used to take away prepared food. Single use plastic carryout bags allowed only where necessary to prevent moisture damage; examples include soups, sauces salads with dressing, and liquids.
10.7.2 Pharmaceutical Bags and Veterinarian Bags, limited topaper bags provided by pharmacists or veterinarians to contain prescription drugs or other medical necessities.
10.7.1 Laundry, Newspaper and Waste Bags,such as laundry dry cleaning bags, door-hangar bags, newspaper bags, or packages of multiple bags intended for use as garbage, pet waste, or yard waste.
10.7.4 Non-Checkout Bags,such as bags used by a customer inside a Business Establishment to:
10.7.4.1 Contain bulk items, such as produce, nuts, grains, candy, or small hardware items;
10.7.4.2 Contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish, whether or not prepackaged;
10.7.4.3 Contain or wrap flowers,
potted plants or other items to prevent moisture damage to other purchases; or
10.7.4.4 Contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods.
10.7.5 Charity Non-Profits,such as bags used by a non-profit corporation or other hunger relief charity to distribute food, grocery products, clothing, or other household items.
