New York City may soon charge 5-cent fee on plastic bags

ALBANY (Scrap Monster): New York City is one step closer to implementing 5-cent fees on plastic bags used at grocery store. The New York City Council Sanitation Committee voted in favor of the legislation that authorizes grocery stores to charge five cents for each single-use plastic or paper carryout bag given away at counters. The legislation got only single no vote, with all the other members voting in favor. The legislation will now go up for a vote before the full Council Thursday.

History

The original legislation had proposed a fee of 10-cents per bag. But this was later reduced to 5 cents after an year of talks, in an attempt to gain Council support. The revised legislation also proposes to conduct a study on the impact of bag-fee on low-income communities.

Endorsed by Council Speaker

The controversial proposal which came before the City Council last week was backed by Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. Before her support, the bill had only 25 supporters, one short of the majority needed in the 51-member Council. Endorsing the bill, Mark-Viverito noted that the bill would take the NY City one step toward a cleaner and sustainable city. The legislation will help New York to join efforts by cities across the country and around the world to tackle the huge environmental threat posed by plastic bags.

Dramatic reduction in plastic bag use

According to estimates, New York residents throw away nearly 9.3 billion plastic bags every year. These bags lead to severe environmental issues by clogging storm drains and littering greenspaces. According to Jennie Romer, founder and director of plasticbaglaws.org and national expert on plastic bag legislation, the primary aim of the bill is not to institute the fee but to reduce the amount of bags used by consumers. He cites that plastic bag fees implemented elsewhere in the country has led to dramatic reduction in plastic bag usage. Several environmentalist groups have extended full support to the bill. According to them, the bill would make New York cleaner and contribute to protect its environment.

Burden on low income New Yorkers, say critics

Critics of the proposed legislation, introduced by Council Members Margaret Chin and Brad Lander, argued that the five-cent fees would turn out to be a burden for low-income families, who are already burdened with high cost-of-living. According to them, it is better to place the fees on retailers rather than forcing New Yorkers to pay for the same.

Takes effect on Oct 1^st, 2016

The legislation will take effect only on Oct 1^st, subject to approval by full Council. The six-month gap is to give shoppers ample time to switch over to reusable bags. The City will organize awareness campaigns and give away reusable bags to residents during this period. The 5-cent fee will not be applicable to purchases made with food stamps, as well as restaurant takeout, thin plastic bags for produce and meat, and medicine bags at pharmacy counters.