Many Philadelphia businesses are not complying with plastic bag law: Survey

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A new survey suggests many Philadelphia businesses are not fully complying with the city's plastic bag law.

The PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center surveyed more than 80 businesses across the city and released its findings Thursday outside City Hall.

Philadelphia's plastic bag ban took effect in October 2021. Additional requirements went into effect in January 2026, including a mandate that businesses charge at least 10 cents for any bags provided to customers at checkout.

According to the nonprofit, 55% of the businesses surveyed were not fully complying with at least one key provision of the law. More than half reportedly failed to charge the required 10-cent fee for compliant bags, including paper, reusable and other approved bags provided to customers.

The organization also found that more than 20% of surveyed businesses were still providing plastic bags, despite the citywide ban.

"It's critical that the Philadelphia officials move swiftly to enforce the city's laws and ensure businesses comply with the Philly bag ban. We applaud the Philly businesses who are leading by example and following this important environmental law," said Faran Savitz, Zero Waste Advocate with the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center.

PennEnvironment is urging the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections to increase enforcement efforts and expand outreach to help businesses understand and comply with the law.