A limited ban on plastic bags (prohibiting major retailers from distributing lightweight plastic bags) began on the Outer Banks in the fall of 2009, and beginning in the fall of 2010, the ban is being extended to include all businesses in Currituck, Dare, and Hdye Counties.  OBX businesses will be required to use recycled paper bags or reusable cloth bags to consolidate customers’ purchases.

The new provision will ban plastic bags of any weight — flimsy or not — from being used by any business on the Outer Banks beginning on Oct. 1.  The goal of the ban is to help protect the OBX water and wildlife and reduce litter along the Outer Banks.