Connecticut retailers are gearing up for a new 10-cent tax on single-use plastic shopping bags.
Customers will be charged the fee beginning Aug. 1. While the law is supported by the Connecticut Food Association, the group is voicing concern that some stores won't have enough reusable bags on hand to meet the anticipated demand.
Executive Director Wayne Pesce said retailers could have used more time to prepare, noting that some recyclable bags have to be ordered from China.
The Department of Revenue Services is trying to get the word out about the new tax, which runs until June 30, 2021. At that time, retailers will be prohibited from providing or selling single-use plastic bags at the checkout counter.
Proponents say the tax could reduce the number of bags by 80%.
