Environmentally Acceptable Packaging/Products

Plastic bags code update (1)

Single-Use Plastic Regulations in Effect!

In Charleston, our environment is essential to our economy.  That's why, operations throughout the City of Charleston, (and the Town of James Island, and Charleston County) are required, as of January 1, 2020, to eliminate single-use plastic carryout and merchandise bags, as well as certain plastic carryout and food packaging items.  

LEARN ABOUT THE REGULATIONS: 


Effective July 1, 2024: Minor Amendment Updates to Regulations Include:

  • Prohibition of Extra Thick Plastic Bags: Businesses are no longer permitted to use extra thick plastic bags. Encouraging customers to bring reusable bags can help save costs and reduce waste. Providing a bag incentive refund at checkout and using signage in parking lots can promote this behavior. Paper bags are also permissible.
  • Drive-thru and Take-out Utensil Policy: Drive-thru and take-out businesses may still offer disposable cutlery, but only upon customer request, affirmative response, or through self-service stations or dispensers.  This measure aims to reduce unnecessary automatic inclusion of utensils in to-go bags, thereby saving costs and minimizing plastic waste.

Ordinances

Report a Potential Violation Online (in City limits)

Printable Quick Reference Guide

Compost Flyer_Page_1 2024 update
  1. What are the new code changes taking effect July 1, 2024?
  2. What if I have questions or need additional information?
  3. What is the purpose of the Environmentally Acceptable Packaging/ Products ordinance?
  4. How should I report a potential violation?
  5. Who needs to comply with the ordinance?
  6. Do these regulations apply to vendors, food trucks, farmers markets, festivals, weddings, etc.?
  7. Who do I ask to find out if a particular product I use is recyclable and therefore compliant?
  8. How do I know if a particular product I use is compostable and therefore compliant?
  9. When did the ordinance go into effect?
View All

A Sustainable Charleston

In Charleston, our environment is essential to our economy. 

This ordinance is designed to protect the engine of our economy and livability of our City so businesses, particularly those influenced by tourism, and residents can continue to enjoy what the beauty and bounty of Charleston's waterways offer for generations to come.


Remember Your Reusable Bags!

Public Engagement

We are thankful so many citizens, businesses and organizations have been engaged over the past few years and have contributed ideas and feedback to the discussion about regulating plastics.

Learn more about the history of this discussion in Charleston.

Survey Results: Results of a 2016 local survey (PDF) on plastic bags that received almost 5,000 responses from businesses and citizens who overwhelmingly support a ban on plastic bags.

Requests for Exemption OR-2056 I Love Charleston

Establishments may file for a temporary exemption if you qualify for one of the below reasons.  Read below to see if you qualify, and how to apply.  

Remember, to apply for an exemption from the City of Charleston, your business or organization must be located in City limits.   Use this map to identify your jurisdiction if you are unsure.

  • Undue Hardship or Practical Difficulty (includes excess inventory) not generally applicable to other persons in similar circumstances (up to one year exemption, applies to entire Article V)

Applications for an Undue Hardship or Practical Difficulty (not including excess inventory) should prove proactive efforts have been made and be substantiated with factual evidence of why the hardship or difficulty exists despite best efforts to uphold the spirit of the ordinance.

Applications for excess inventory should include proof excess inventory was purchased prior to 11/27/18, the date of ratification.  The City may ask for information periodically on inventory reduction and remaining stock.

  • Public Health and Safety Requirement or Medical Necessity to use the product (up to one year exemption, applies to foam products only)

If you qualify for either of the above reasons, (AND are located within City limits) your next step is to request an exemption by completing an exemption application. Please be sure to explain clearly why you feel like you qualify for an exemption.  Please also remember to attach documents that support your claim.   Please note, approved requests may be posted publicly on the City’s website. 

What Are Microplastics?

Shop with Reusable Bags_820x312