Governor Carney Signs Legislation to Ban Plastic Bags, Reduce Litter in Delaware

Statement

At the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary on Monday, Governor John Carney joined members of the General Assembly and environmental advocates to sign House Bill 130 and Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 5, two pieces of legislation aimed at confronting litter in Delaware. Both new laws will help protect Delaware communities from litter, and protect Delaware's environment and wildlife from the harmful effects of discarded waste.

House Bill 130 will ban the use of single-use plastic bags and encourage a shift to reusable bags in Delaware. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 5 will address the problem of individuals dumping large quantities of trash on public and private property by increasing penalties for unlawful dumping and creating a Litter Investigation and Enforcement Fund.

"We live in a beautiful state. We should keep it that way," said Governor Carney. "One of the best ways we can take pride in our communities is to keep them clean. That's why I was proud to stand with mayors, county executives, and other local leaders recently to announce the Delaware Anti-Litter Alliance -- a coalition of public officials committed to keeping our state litter free. And that's why I was pleased to sign these bills into law on Monday. These new laws will help us protect Delaware communities from litter, protect our environment, and protect Delaware wildlife. Thank you to members of the General Assembly and Delawareans up and down our state who have pledged to help Keep DE Litter Free."

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