New Milford Takes First Step to Ban Plastic Bags

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): New Milford Township in Bergen County, New Jersey has joined other municipalities in the state to consider a ban on single-use plastic bags.

The ban, initially proposed by the New Milford Environmental and Energy Commission, would prohibit distribution of single-use plastic bags at retail checkouts. However, produce bags will be exempted from the ban. The retail establishments would be allowed to distribute paper bags or other alternative bags to customers for fees. The move is aimed at reducing the use of plastics by encouraging shoppers to bring their own recyclable bags.

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According to Councilwoman Randi Duffie, businesses will be granted one year to comply with the ban, after which they will have to face penalties. The proposed ban, in addition to Council nod, also requires approval by Mayor Michael Putrino. It must be noted that the Commission has been debating the ban on plastic bags for a number of years. However, it gained unanimous support only recently.

Duffie termed the ban proposal as an extremely important first step in going green. The ban is drafted on the lines of similar ordinances adopted in other towns of the state, she said.