SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, SC (WCSC) - Sullivan’s Island Town Council passed the first reading of a ban on single-use plastic products Tuesday night.
The ordinance needs to go through three more readings to be approved.
If passed, the ordinance would ban single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, polystyrene coolers, polystyrene containers and polystyrene cups. Polystyrene is sometimes referred to as the brand name Styrofoam.
The police department would have primary responsibility for the enforcement of the ban and violators could face a misdemeanor charge as well as a fine of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense within 12 months and $500 for each additional offense in a 12 month period.
Exceptions for the single-use plastic ban include:
- Products made from polystyrene/plastic foam which is wholly encapsulated or encased by a more durable material. For example: surfboards, boats, life preservers and craft supplies are exempt.
- Laundry dry cleaning bags, door-hanger bags, newspaper bags, or packages of multiple bags intended for use as garbage, pet waste or yard waste
- Bags provided by physicians, dentists, pharmacists or veterinarians to contain prescription drugs or other medical necessities
Read about other exemptions here.
If passed by the council, the ban would go into effect on Dec. 1 but the town would allow businesses to ask for more time if needed.
Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Mount Pleasant have passed similar single-use plastic bans.
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