Retailers support ban on plastic bags but insist on consistency in law’s enforcement

Sen. Nitza Moran Trinidad

By THE STAR STAFF

The United Retailers Center (CUD by its acronym in Spanish) said on Tuesday that a 2015 law banning single-use plastic bags in businesses has led to increased costs for those businesses.

The CUD presented its viewpoint to the Puerto Rico Senate Committee on Economic Development, Essential Services, and Consumer Affairs, chaired by Sen. Nitza Moran Trinidad, regarding the 2015 legislation that prohibited the use of non-reusable plastic bags.

Agnes Martínez, a legal adviser representing CUD President Ramón C. Barquín III at the hearing, expressed support for the measure but emphasized the need for consistency in legislation and public strategies that do not place unfair burdens on local businesses, particularly small and midsize enterprises (SMEs by the initials in Spanish).

“Puerto Rico needs to protect the environment, but it also needs to support its merchants,” she stated on behalf of Barquín. “SMEs are already facing numerous operational costs. Imposing new restrictive measures without consulting those on the front lines -- our retailers -- creates a disconnect between public policy and commercial realities.”

During the hearing, the CUD raised concerns about the lack of uniformity and clarity in the implementation of Act 247-2015, which was originally intended to decrease the consumption of single-use plastic bags. While the center supports the spirit of the law, it criticized the absence of effective educational campaigns and highlighted the economic burden and uncertainty felt by business owners due to ongoing legislative changes.

“Our recommendation is clear: if we are going to redesign public policy on this issue, it should be a participatory process, backed by data, and include a reasonable guidance period,” Martínez emphasized. “Legislation cannot be enacted without consulting businesses.”

The CUD also warned that many merchants have faced additional expenses by transitioning to more expensive reusable bags without receiving any support or compensation. They stressed further that consumers must also take responsibility for adopting sustainable practices.

While the CUD reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection, it reiterated that any solution must be pragmatic, collaborative, and grounded in the realities faced by small businesses on the island.

“We are here to contribute,” Martínez said. “We want to collaborate in building a cleaner Puerto Rico while ensuring fairness for those who create jobs, pay taxes, and strive every day to keep their doors open. Without local businesses, there is no country.”.