Town Council to Re-Establish Ban on Plastic Bags

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Falmouth Town Council announced plans to look at reinstating ban on use of single use plastic bags at grocery stores by introducing fee on them. It must be noted that the proposed restrictions were deferred on account of Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier in August this year, Councilor Hope Cahan had extended support to reinstating the bag ordinance, while ensuring availability of paper bags. The supporters of the ban had argued that the study result showing comparatively lesser chances of getting Covid-19 from a reusable bag is not at all a valid reason for polluting the environment.

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The implementation of the new restrictions is likely to affect large stores with area exceeding 10,000 square feet including Shaw’s, Hannaford, Goodwill, Walgreens, Staples and Walmart, whereas the smaller businesses and restaurants are unlikely to be affected. The stores will be allowed to charge 5 cents for each reusable heavier plastic and paper bag given away to customers.

In related news, Cincinnati City Council is expected to vote on a proposal to ban plastic bags at all grocery stores, restaurants and any business that sells food. The proposal was introduced for the first time in March this year, but was delayed on account of the outbreak of the pandemic.