DE HB224

Prohibits stores from providing single-use paper or plastic carryout bags to customers at the point of sale, effective January 1, 2021.

Allows stores to provide reusable bags for purchase and permits paper bags for specific purposes including frozen foods, pet waste bags, live animals, chemicals, unwrapped food, prescription drugs, and hot food carryout.

Requires stores meeting the definition of "store" (at least 7,000 square feet or 3+ locations with 3,000+ square feet each) to establish at-store recycling programs with collection bins for plastic bags and film.

Establishes penalties of $500 for the first violation, $1,000 for the second violation, and $2,000 for each subsequent violation, with collected penalties funding Department enforcement efforts.

Requires stores to register with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control by June 30, 2018, and permits municipalities with populations exceeding 50,000 to enforce the requirements for stores over 500 square feet.