Cleveland City Opts Out of County's Plastic Ban

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The City of Cleveland has decided to opt out of Cuyahoga County’s ban on plastic bags.

The Council meet held Monday approved an ordinance granting temporary exemption for stores in the city. It also proposed setting up of an expert group to look into various ways by which use of disposable bags could be reduced, without affecting businesses. The group will recommend the best way forward for the city in dealing with plastic bags. In case, the city council does not come up with its own legislation before June next year, the County’s ban will go into effect in the city as well.

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According to the ordinance, the plastic bag ban exemption applies to supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, stores, shops, service stations, or restaurants and any other sales outlets where a customer can buy goods or food.

Earlier, Cuyahoga County has announced six-month grace period to all retailers on enforcement of its proposed ban on retail plastic bags, so as to ensure smooth transition. Accordingly, no warning or penalty will be issued until 1^st July, 2020.

It must be noted that the state legislation that prevents local governments from imposing ban or taxes on single-use plastic bags is pending House approval.