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Waste & Recycling November 09, 2016 11:30:38 AM

Californians render verdict on statewide ban of single-use plastic bags

Paul Ploumis
ScrapMonster Author
According to early results, California voters look divided on whether to go ahead with a statewide ban on use of plastic grocery bags.

Californians render verdict on statewide ban of single-use plastic bags

LOS ANGELES (Scrap Monster): According to early results, California voters look divided on whether to go ahead with a statewide ban on use of plastic grocery bags. Early results indicate close fight between ‘yes’ and ‘no’ votes on Proposition 67, whereas the residents seems to be resolved in defeating Proposition 65, which redirects the money collected on sale of carry-out bags to a special fund.

The Senate Bill 270 bill proposed by Sen. Alex Padilla bans the use of single-use plastic shopping bags at check-out counters at grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores and liquor shops. The paper, reusable and compostable bags will be charged 10 cents fee. However, the ban does not apply to non-food retail units such as clothing and electronics and for produce and meat taken out from grocery stores. The bill was approved by the California Legislature and signed into law by the Governor in 2014.

The bill was backed by various organizations including Environment California, Californians Against Waste, the California Retailers Association, and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). At the same time, the American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA) managed to garner enough signatures to force a statewide vote.

Prop 67 would ban stores from providing disposable plastic bags in which to carry purchases. It permits the sale of recycled paper or reusable bags for a minimum price of 10 cents. It is expected to lead to marginal fiscal implications, as the rise in administrative costs could be easily offset with the collected fees.

Prop 65 states that the money raised by statewide ban should be directed to a special fund, which in turn will be used to support environmental projects like drought relief, beach clean-up and litter removal. It directs that the funds should be allocated to the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Fund (EPEF) under the direct control of the California Wildlife Conservation Board.

According to reports, the plastic companies and bag manufacturers have spent nearly $6 million to qualify the proposition for ballot and in campaigning against upholding the grocery bag ban. According to them, the proposed ban would destroy thousands of jobs in California. In addition, it argues that the move would cost hundreds of dollars in bag fees every year to consumers.

Meantime, it is alleged that Proposition 65 was clubbed with Prop 67, only to confuse voters. Many groups including The Surfrider Foundation, the California Democratic Party, the California Libertariam Party and various municipal chambers of commerce had raised opposition to Proposition 65. Interestingly, Prop 65 will come into force, only if Prop 67 is passed. Also, there is no clear mention as to how the money pouring into EPEF would be utilized.

A ‘Yes’ vote on Prop 67 will uphold the existing state legislation. The victory of ‘no’ votes to Proposition 67 would allow grocery stores to provide single-use plastic bags to consumers. The supporters of the prop include the California Libertarian Party and a number of plastic-producing companies. Incidentally, it must be noted that more than 150 cities and counties in California including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Manhattan and West Hollywood have already imposed ban on single-use plastic bags. These region wise bans will continue to exist.

Updated 10/11/2016: Proposition 67- 'Yes' in the lead.

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