NC H959

State agencies, departments, and institutions receiving state funds must use only reusable or compostable food service ware (plates, cups, utensils, straws, containers) by October 1, 2023, with $25,000 appropriated for technical assistance.

Prepared food retailers statewide must use only reusable or compostable food service ware by October 1, 2023, with existing stocks usable until July 1, 2024.

Retailers in counties with barrier islands meeting specific criteria (200+ residents, National Wildlife Refuge or Seashore) must provide reusable bags or recycled paper bags (40% recycled content) instead of single-use plastic bags, with exceptions for unpackaged fresh produce, meat, poultry, and fish.

Retailers offering paper bags as substitutes must provide cash refunds or store credits to customers who bring their own reusable bags, equal to the cost of providing a recycled paper bag.

Department of Environmental Quality must report by March 1, 2022, on establishing product stewardship plans for producers of recyclable and compostable single-use products to increase recycling and composting goals.