Pittsburgh City to Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Pittsburgh City Council introduced a bill that would restrict the use of single-use plastic bags within the city limits. The bill, introduced by City Councilor Erika Strassburger, aims to boost the use of reusable bags and reduce environmental impacts caused by plastic pollution.

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If approved, the bill would go into effect in 180 days. It would place ban on use of single-use plastic bags. However, businesses will be allowed to offer recycled paper bags by charging a fee of not less than 15 cents per bag. During the transition phase, businesses would be required to advertise information on the upcoming ban, so as to help customers adjust with the change.

The proposed legislation has been inspired by a similar bill passed recently in Philadelphia. It represents one step forward in the City’s progress towards a healthier, more sustainable future, free of pollutions. As per estimates by environmental advocacy group PennEnvironment, the legislation would help to prevent more than 108 million single-use plastic bags from entering the waste stream.

The passage of the bill would have longstanding positive ramifications for the children of the 21^st century and generations to come, said Strassburger in a press release.