Springfield City Council to Vote Ordinance to Ban Plastic Bags
According to rough estimates, retailers in Springfield give out nearly 81 million plastic bags to customers every year.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A vote on plastic bag ban is to be taken up by the Springfield City Council. An approval of the proposal would result in Springfield becoming the second largest Massachusetts city after Boston to ban use of single-use plastic shopping bags.
The ordinance, led by Springfield City Councilor Jesse Lederman and recommended by the City’s Green Committee, is the second attempt by Springfield to ban plastic bags. The earlier attempt in 2016, included as a budget amendment by the State Senate, had failed to make it through Council Committee.
The ban is expected to become effective in a year from the date of approval of the Council. Initially, the ban will be applicable to large retailers with stores in excess of 10,000 square-feet. The small retailers will be given additional six months period to comply with the ban. The ordinance bans retailers from distributing single-use plastic bags at the point of sale. Alternatively, stores are allowed to charge up to 10 cents for recyclable paper bag or compostable plastic bags. Meantime, dry cleaning bags and those bags that are used to hold items such as loose produce, fruits and bakery items will be exempted.
The ban proposal has received mixed response. Several organizations including Arise for Social Justice have endorsed the ban. On the other hand, Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce voiced the anxiety of the local business community in connection with the proposed ban on use of plastic bags.
According to rough estimates, retailers in Springfield give out nearly 81 million plastic bags to customers every year.