§ 17-03 Specifications for Plastic Bags Used for Containing Uncompacted Refuse.
RCNY § 17-03
(a)Substance: The film from which plastic bags are constructed shall be manufactured from polyethylene or ethylene copolymer resin.
(b)Film Strength: The film used to fabricate plastic bags shall have a dart impact strength at folds and seals not less than 40 grams per 1.0 mil when tested in accordance with ASTM D 1709, Method A.
(c)Film Thickness: The gauge of the film used to fabricate plastic bags shall have an average of no less than 1.5 mils with a point-to-point variation not exceeding 20 percent.
(d)Film Flammability: The film used to construct plastic bags shall be capable of incineration under normal municipal incinerator practices.
(e)Bag Dimensions: From inside or seals, plastic bags shall have a minimum inside circumference of 40 inches and a minimum inside length of 22 inches and a maximum inside circumference of 60 1/2 inches and a maximum length of 37 1/2 inches.
(f)Heat Seal Strength: Any heat seal shall withstand a ten-minute tensile loading of 1 lb. inch of seal without failure in accordance with ASTM F 88-68.
(g)Slip Coefficient: Plastic bags shall be readily opened by hand and shall have a slip coefficient between 0.1 and 0.25 when tested in accordance with ASTM D 1894.
(h)Closures: Each package of plastic bags shall contain a number of tie closures (at least five inches in length) equal to the number of bags.
(i)Drop Resistance: Plastic bags shall be capable of withstanding a drop of five feet onto smooth concrete when filled with a material having weight density of twenty pounds per cubic foot, and when securely closed with a twist tie and when tested in accordance with the National Sanitation Foundation test method.
(j)Labeling: On and after January 1, 1971, but prior to April 1, 1971, all bag packaging shall be labeled with an approved logo imprinted or pasted onto the principal panel of all such packaging. On or after April 1, 1971, each bag and all bag packaging shall be labeled with an approved logo marked and imprinted visibly respectively, along the center of the face of such bag and on the principal display panel of all bag packaging. Such logo shall not be less than one square inch in size. Display of such logo on bags and all bag packaging shall be deemed the manufacturer's certification that such bags and all bags contained in such packages conform to these specifications and testing procedures. Each bag and all bag packaging shall have marked thereon the name and address of the principal place of business of the manufacturer or distributor of the same and a code identifying the date and location of bag manufacture. Each bag and retail package of bags shall be prominently marked with the words, "NOT LAWFUL FOR COMPACTED WASTE IN NEW YORK CITY", in block letters not less than 1/4 inch high.
(k)Plastic bags larger than the sizes specified in subdivision (e) above shall have an average of no less than 3.0 mils gauge with a point-to-point variation not exceeding ±20 percent and shall not exceed an inside circumference of 66 inches and an inside length of 48 inches. The bags exclusive of packaging and ties shall have a minimum weight of 210 pounds per 1,000 bags.
(l)Bag opacity: Plastic refuse bags shall be of high opacity with a minimum reading of 65% as determined by a hazemeter or recording spectrophotometer when tested in accordance with ASTM D 1003.
