Via the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection

Plastic Bag Ordinance --  This ordinance passed in 2008 requiring retail stores to establish an in-store recycling program.  Businesses must install plastic bag recycling bins and collect and recycle bags.

Effective December 11, 2008, all stores larger than 5,000 sq. ft must place visible and marked bins in the store and have reusable bags. For stores less than 5,000 sq. ft. these requirements begin March 11, 2009.

By May 11, 2009 stores larger than 5,000 sq. ft. must provide plastic bags that state "Please reuse or recycle at participating stores."  For stores with less than 5,000 sq. ft. the requirements begin on September
11, 2009.  

To download this ordinance visit our website at www.cityofchicago.org/businessaffairs and go to Ordinances.