Reusable Bags in North Myrtle Beach: What You Need to Know
Love North Myrtle Beach? Embrace Reusables
North Myrtle Beach's beautiful beaches, waterways, and coastal wildlife make our community a special place to live, work, and visit. Whether you're spending the day on the beach, shopping at local businesses, or dining at one of our restaurants, small choices can make a big difference in protecting the coast we all enjoy.
One of the easiest ways to help is by embracing reusable bags. To reduce plastic pollution and protect our coastal environment, the City of North Myrtle Beach implemented a ban on certain single-use plastic carryout bags on October 1, 2022, becoming the 15th community in South Carolina to adopt this type of ordinance.
Today, businesses throughout North Myrtle Beach have transitioned to more sustainable alternatives that help reduce plastic waste and protect our beaches, waterways, and wildlife. Under the City's Code of Ordinances (Section 12-111), a single-use carryout plastic bag is defined as a bag provided at the point of sale for transporting purchases that is made predominantly of plastic derived from petroleum or biologically based sources.
By choosing reusable bags, residents and visitors alike can help preserve North Myrtle Beach for generations to come.
Why Reusable Bags Matter
Plastic bags are lightweight and easily carried by the wind, where they can end up in marshes, waterways, and the ocean. Once there, they can harm marine life, seabirds, and other wildlife while contributing to coastal pollution.
Choosing a reusable bag is a simple way to help protect the places that make North Myrtle Beach so special. Every time you reuse a bag, you're helping to:
- Reduce plastic waste
- Keep beaches and waterways cleaner
- Protect marine wildlife and coastal habitats
- Support a healthier environment for future generations
Small actions add up, and together we can help keep North Myrtle Beach beautiful.
Photo Credit: @zinisaurus
Shopping Sustainably
Shopping sustainably in North Myrtle Beach is easy. As local businesses continue supporting the City's efforts to reduce plastic waste, you may notice a few changes at checkout.
Depending on the business, you may find:
- Paper bags offered instead of plastic
- No bags provided with purchases
- Reusable bags available for purchase
- A small fee for alternative bags
The easiest way to prepare is to bring your own reusable bag whenever you're shopping or picking up takeout. It's a simple habit that helps reduce litter, protects our waterways, and supports a cleaner, more sustainable community.
Whether you're visiting for the weekend or call North Myrtle Beach home, every reusable bag makes a difference.
Go Green In Style!
Planning to explore the area? Stop by the Destination North Myrtle Beach Visitor Information Center (1521 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach) to pick up a free North Myrtle Beach reusable bag.
Every reusable bag helps reduce plastic waste and protect the beaches, waterways, and wildlife that make North Myrtle Beach such a special place to live and visit.
Whether you're here for a day, a week, or a lifetime, your small actions make a lasting impact. Thank you for helping keep North Myrtle Beach clean, beautiful, and welcoming for generations to come.
