* Now What?
* Now What?
Nothing for nothing, Jeff Eats is hearing that a few of our elected geniuses in Tallahassee are toying with the idea of charging-us when we use plastic and paper bags. Now, this latest brainchild is only in the talking-stage…but the basic idea is that every-time your purchases are packed into a paper or plastic bag, you’re gonna pay 5-10 cents for the bag. The justification for this “fee” is that it will help conservation efforts.
Now, Jeff Eats being the investigative reporter that he is, did some “hypothetical figuring here”…last week, Publix plastic bags alone coming into the Jeff Eats’ household totalled 13, so at 10 cents a shot that’s $1.30…now throw in 3 more plastic bags from TJ Maxx, 2 plastic bags from Home Goods, 2 plastic bags from Shorty’s BBQ and 7 bags from the Boys Market and we are talking a grand total of $2.70 out of my pocket…now multiply that by 52 weeks and the State of Florida would be hitting me up for $140.40. Now taking this absurd “proposal” even further, the two daily newspapers that are delivered daily to Jeff Eats’ driveway both come in plastic bags, so let’s throw another 730 dimes into the mix for another $73 yearly charge.
The above “examples” are just that…”examples.” Your plastic and paper bag useage could be higher or lower than shown…Of course you can appreciate, that in any given week Jeff Eats’ useage could also greatly vary…the bet here, is that $2.70 figure is probably on the low side if all weeks were taken into consideration.
One of the points of this exercise, is to show you guys that Florida was right to vote against Al Gore (wink wink!) as God only knows what we would be paying by now in conservation fees if he had gotten into the White House…so let’s just be glad that he made a huge fortune buying and selling some Mideast tv station and didn’t get us involved in his nutty conservation schemes.
Anyway…knowing Florida like I do, my bet is that this “tax idea” won’t see the light of day, because the majority of those Tallahassee legislators are scared crapless of losing their elected jobs…Jeff Eats seriously doubts that the Century Village crowd or you guys in The Villages are gonna vote for “legislators” who picked your pocket at the grocery store?
One final thought, today its paper and plastic bags…tomorrow it could be pizza boxes—and then we’ll be talking real serious money–at least in my house, it will be!
Anyway…printed below is a recent article from the National Conference of State Legislatures’ website that kinda explains what’s going on with this “bag” issue around the United States.
*****
Printed below is an article that State Plastic and Paper Bag Legislation: Fees, Taxes and Bans; Recycling and Reuse
Featured Items
Bans and Fees
Recycling Programs and Requirements
Energy and Environment Legislation Tracking Database
Enacted Plastic and Paper Bag Legislation Map
Enacted Plastic Bag State Legislation Summaries
2013 Pending State Legislation Summaries
NCSL Staff Contacts
Douglas Shinkle
Brooke Oleen
person holding plastic bagsJune 2013
“States are continuing to consider strategies to reduce the number of plastic carry-out bags from grocery stores and other retail outlets. Some states are targeting paper bags as well. Regulating bags can mitigate harmful impacts to oceans, rivers, lakes and the wildlife that inhabit them. Reducing bag use can also relieve pressure on landfills and waste management.
Bans and Fees
No state has yet to enact a statewide ban, fee or tax. However, Hawaii does have a de-facto statewide ban, as all four counties in the state now ban non-biodegradable plastic bags at checkout as well as paper bags that are not at least 40 percent recycled. Kauai and Maui counties already enforce bans, while Hawaii County’s ban takes effect on Jan. 17, 2013. Honolulu County made the ban statewide when it passed legislation in May 2012. Retailers in Honolulu County have until July 1, 2015, to make the change.
In 2009, the District of Columbia enacted a law to ban the distribution of disposable, non-recyclable plastic carry-out bags and set a fee of 5 cents for distribution of all other disposable bags.
In 2009, North Carolina banned plastic bags for the Outer Banks region, a chain of barrier islands off its coast. However, in 2011, the state passed legislation to temporarily suspend that ban due to a tornado that hit Dunn, North Carolina, which is the major distribution center for paper bags in the area. The ban has yet to be restored.
2013 Legislation Summary
Currently, 6 states – California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington- are considering banning single-use plastic bags, with California’s proposed ban including paper and other single-use bags as well. Washington is considering legislation that would create rules for localities that choose to impose a ban or fee on plastic bags. Legislation in Arkansas and Florida to ban bags failed in 2013.
Eight states – Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington— are considering a fee or tax on the distribution of bags which a shopper will have to pay, either directly or indirectly. Hawaii would impose fees ranging from 5 cents to 25 cents if the state finds that distribution of single-use bags has not decreased 75 percent by a specified date. Depending on the state, the revenue would go to state parks, school districts, community improvement trusts or other public programs. Florida and Maryland proposed fee legislation, but the bills failed.
Recycling Programs and Requirements
States have continued to propose and enact legislation relating to labeling, recycling, and reusing plastic bags. In 2010, California passed legislation that requires manufacturers of compostable plastic bags to ensure that the bag is readily and easily identifiable from other bags. That same year, Delaware enacted an At-Store Recycling Program. The legislation encourages the use of reusable bags, requires stores to establish an at-store recycling program that provides an opportunity for customers of the store to return clean plastic bags, requires that plastic carry-out bags display a recycling message and provides fines and penalties for noncompliance. Illinois passed similar legislation, The Plastic Bag and Film Recycling Act, in 2012.”
hey, jeff ny city council is exploring charging for bags.
with this new crack pot of a mayor coming in, it just may get greenlighted.
then again Bloomberg with his soda cup sizes wasn’t a flower either.
fun column.
I got to laugh.
Guaranteed some state will pass one of these dumb laws and then we’ll hear that some state senator’s brother owns a plastic bag company.
It would be an absolute disaster to charge per bag. Publix uses so many bags that it isn’t even funny. People would be loading stuff into one bag and we would have ripped bags all over the parking lot.
No way Florida ever goes for this dumb idea. The grey hairs would vote everybody out of office.
As usual the California socialists jumped on the bandwagon:
Home » Plastic Litter and Waste Reduction Campaign » Plastic Bag Litter Pollution
Plastic Litter and Waste Reduction Campaign
Plastic Bag Litter PollutionThe Problem of Plastic Bags
Plastic Bags: Local OrdinancesHow Does a Local Government Protect Itself From Litigation?
Plastic Industry Uses Legal Harrassment to Intimidate Against Plastic Bag Bans
National List of Local Plastic Bag Ordinances
Compliance Links: AB 2449
Stopping the Rising Tide of Marine Debris Pollution
California Ocean Protection Council Targets Plastic Litter and Waste
Polystyrene Takeout Food Packaging Pollution
Vinyl Chloride: Recycling and Health
Understanding the Resin Identification Code
Plastic Bags: Local Ordinances
Many cities and counties are currently in the process of adopting plastic bag ban ordinances.
Below are the jurisdictions that have adopted ordinances in the state of California.
# of Adopted Ordinances: 66
# of CA Cities or Counties Covered by These Ordinances: 87See the list of local bag ordinances across the nation here.
Click here to learn more about plastic industry intimidation efforts against ordinances.
Alameda County and City, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, and Union City
The Alameda County Waste Management Authority (StopWaste.org) adopted its ordinance banning plastic bags and placing a 10 cent price requirement on paper and reusable bags in January of 2012. It went into effect on January 1, 2013 in unincorporated Alameda County as well as its 14 incorporated cities.
Belmont
Belmont adopted the Reusable Bag Ordinance in January of 2013. All retail stores will be prohibited from using single-use plastic carryout bags and may sell paper or reusable bags for a small charge. Effective 4/22/13.
Brisbane
The City adopted the San Mateo County’s Reusable Bag Ordinance on March 18, 2013. All retail stores will be prohibited from using single-use plastic carryout bags and may sell paper or reusable bags for a small charge. Effective 4/22/13.
Burlingame
Burlingame adopted the San Mateo County’s Reusable Bag Ordinance on March 18, 2013. All retail stores will be prohibited from using single-use plastic carryout bags and may sell paper or reusable bags for a small charge. Effective 4/22/13.
Calabasas
The Calabasas City Council unanimously adopted a plastic bag ban with a minimum ten cent price requirement on paper bags in February 2011.
Campbell
The City adopted the San Mateo County’s Reusable Bag Ordinance on July 16, 2013. All retail stores will be prohibited from using single-use plastic carryout bags and may sell paper or reusable bags for a small charge. Effective 1/27/14.
Capitola
In January 2013, the city adopted a plastic bag ban with a 25 cent charge on paper bags in all retail stores. Effective April 2013.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel adopted a plastic bag ban in all retail stores on July 3, 2012. It became operative February 3, 2013.
Carpinteria
Carpinteria adopted the first double bag ban in the state on March 12, 2012. Starting July 2012, large retailers as specified prohibited from distributing single-use paper and plastic bags. Starting April 2013, plastic bags banned in all other retail stores.
Colma
Colma Town Council adopted a Reusable Bag Ordinance on January 9, 2013. All retail stores will be prohibited from using single-use plastic carryout bags and may sell paper or reusable bags for a small charge. Effective 4/22/13.
Culver City
On May 28, 2013, Culver City adopted a plastic bag ban and ten cent charge on paper bags in grocery, drug, and convenience stores. Effective 12/28/13.
Cupertino
Cupertino adopted a Reusable Bag Ordinance on March 5, 2013. All retail stores will be prohibited from using single-use plastic carryout bags and may sell paper or reusable bags for a small charge. Effective 10/1/13.
Daly City
The City adopted the San Mateo County model ordinance (plastic bag ban, charge on paper or reusables) in January 2013. Operative 4/22/13.
Dana Point
The City of Dana Point adopted a ban on single-use plastic bags from all retail stores within city limits on March 6, 2012. Effective in larger stores April 1, 2013, and all other stores October 1, 2013.
East Palo Alto
On April 2, 2013, the City of East Palo Alto adopted the San Mateo County’s Reusable Bag Ordinance (ban on plastic bags and charge on paper/reusable bags in all retail stores). Effective October 2, 2013.
El Cerrito
On September 17, 2013, the City Council adopted a plastic bag ban with charge on paper/reusable bags in all retail stores. Operative January 1, 2014.
Fairfax
The Fairfax City Council adopted its ban on plastic bags August 2007. After a legal challenge by the plastics industry, Fairfax voters overwhelmingly adopted a plastic bag ban by initiative in November 2008.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg banned plastic bags and required a 10 cent paper bag charge in all retail stores. The ordinance was adopted May 14, 2012. Effective in large stores December 10, 2012, expanding to all other stores December 2013.
Foster City
Foster City adopted a Reusable Bag Ordinance on January 7, 2013. All retail stores will be prohibited from using single-use plastic carryout bags and may sell paper or reusable bags for a small charge. Effective 4/22/13.
Glendale
The City of Glendale adopted a bag ordinance in January of 2013. Similar to LA County’s ordinance, it bans plastic bags and places a 10 cent charge on paper bags. Effective in larger stores and farmer’s markets starting 7/1/13 and expanded to other covered stores 1/1/14.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay adopted a Reusable Bag Ordinance on March 5, 2013. All retail stores will be prohibited from using single-use plastic carryout bags and may sell paper or reusable bags for a small charge. Effective 4/22/13.
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach adopted a plastic bag ban with a 10 cent charge per paper bag on April 1, 2013. Applies to all grocery, drug, and convenience stores starting November 1, 2013.
Laguna Beach
In February 2012, the Laguna Beach City Council unanimously adopted a plastic bag ban in all retail stores. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience/liquor stores must include a 10 cent minimum price requirement on paper bags distributed. Effective 1/1/13.
Long Beach
On May 17, 2011, the City of Long Beach passed a bag ordinance with a 5-0 vote. It banned single-use plastic bags and placed a 10 cent minimum price requirement on paper bags. The ordinance was operative in larger stores starting August 2011, and expanded to others stores in 2012.
Los Altos
The City adopted the San Mateo County model ordinance (plastic bag ban, charge on paper or reusables) in March 2013. Operative 7/4/13.
Los Angeles City
In June 2013, the LA City Council adopted a bag ordinance banning single-use plastic bags and placing a 10 cent charge on paper bags. Effective for large supermarkets in January 2014, and expanded to drug stores, convenience stores, and other supermarkets in July 2014.
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County adopted an ordinance banning single-use plastic bags and placing a 10 cent minimum price requirement on paper bags in November 2010. The ordinance became effective for large supermarkets and retailers in July 2011, and expanded to other applicable stores in January of 2012 througout unincorporated County areas.
Los Gatos
In September 2013, the Los Gatos Town Council adopted a ban ordinance based on the San Mateo County ordinance (ban on plastic bags, initial 10 cent charge per paper or reusable bags in all retail stores). Effective 2/3/14.
Malibu
The Malibu City Council voted in May 2008 to ban plastic bags.
Manhattan Beach
The Manhattan Beach City council voted in July 2008 to ban plastic bags. The CA Supreme Court overturned a legal challenge to the ordinance in July 2011.
Marin County
Marin County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance restricting the free distribution of single-use bags in January 2011, effective January 2012. Unincorporated County areas only.
Mendocino County
The County Board of Supervisors adopted a plastic bag ban with a ten cent paper bag charge on June 12, 2012. Effective in large stores in January 2013, and expanding to all other retailers one year later. Unincorporated County areas only.
Menlo Park
Menlo Park adopted the Reusable Bag Ordinance (San Mateo County Ordinance) on January 22, 2013. All retail stores will be prohibited from using single-use plastic carryout bags and may sell paper or reusable bags for a small charge. Effective 4/22/13.
Mill Valley
The City adopted a bag ordinance on October 21, 2013. Plastic bag ban with five cent charge on paper/reusable bags in grocery, convenience, and drug stores.
Millbrae
On February 14, 2012, the Millbrae City Council adopted a plastic bag ban with a 10 cent requirement on paper bags. The ordinance went into effect on September 1, 2012 in all retail establishments, except for restaurants, non-profits, and dry-cleaners.
Monterey
The Monterey City Council unanimously passed an ordinance on December 6, 2011. The ordinance bans plastic bags and places an initial 10 cent minimum price requirement on paper bags for the first year (25 cents after).
Morgan Hill
On October 2, 2013, the Morgan Hill City Council adopted a plastic bag ban with an initial ten cent charge per paper bag. Effective 4/22/14.
Mountain View
In December 2012, the City of Mountain View adopted a Reusable Bag Ordinance (San Mateo County Ordinance). Ban on plastic bags and charge on paper/reusable bags in all retail stores. Effective 4/22/13.
Ojai
Ojai adopted a plastic bag ban on April 10, 2012. Grocery stores may distribute paper bags with 10 cent price requirement. Effective July 1, 2012 in all retail stores.
Pacifica
In December 2012, the City of Pacifica adopted a Reusable Bag Ordinance (San Mateo County Ordinance). Ban on plastic bags and charge on paper/reusable bags in all retail stores. Effective 4/22/13.
Palo Alto
In 2013, the Palo Alto City Council adopted an expansion of a 2009 ordinance to include all stores and restaurants under its plastic bag ban. Paper and reusable bags would be available with a minimum charge. Previously, the ordinance only applied to plastic bags at large supermarkets.
Pasadena
In November of 2011, the Pasadena City Council unanimously adopted a plastic bag ban with a 10 cent minimum price requirement on paper bags. Effective July 1, 2012 for large stores and supermarkets and December 2012 for convenience stores.
Pittsburg
On October 21, 2013, the Council adopted a bag ordinance, effective in all retail stores by 1/15/14. Plastic carryout bags are prohibited, and paper and reusable bags are allowed with a small charge.
Portola Valley
The Town adopted the San Mateo County model ordinance (plastic bag ban, charge on paper or reusables) in January 2013. Operative 4/22/13.
Redwood City
The City adopted the San Mateo County model ordinance (plastic bag ban, charge on paper or reusables) in March 2013. Operative 10/1/13.
Richmond
The City adopted the first bag ordinance in Contra Costa County on July 16, 2013. All retail stores will be prohibited from using single-use plastic carryout bags and may sell paper or reusable bags for a small charge. Effective 1/1/14.
San Bruno
The City adopted the San Mateo County model ordinance (plastic bag ban, charge on paper or reusables) in January 2013. Operative 4/22/13.
San Carlos
San Carlos adopted the San Mateo County model ordinance (plastic bag ban, charge on paper or reusables) in March 2013. Operative 7/1/13.
San Francisco
San Francisco became the first city in the nation to adopt a ban on plastic shopping bags in April 2007. In February of 2012, the Board of Supervisors voted to expand the ordinance to more stores.
San Jose
San Jose City Council voted and adopted a ban on single use plastic carryout bags in January 2011. The ban will extend to all retailers in the city, exempting restaurants and non-profit reuse organizations. It is effective January 1, 2012. For the first two years, paper bags will be sold under this ordinance at 10 cents each.
San Luis Obispo County and City, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach
The San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority adopted a plastic bag ban with a 10 cent minimum price requirement on paper bags in January of 2012. It went into effect on 10/1/12 in all seven incorporated cities as well as unincorporated areas of the county.
San Mateo City
The City adopted a Reusable Bag Ordinance on May 6, 2013. Effective June 6, 2013. Plastic bag ban with a 10 cent charge on paper and reusable bags (increasing to 25 cents on 1/1/2015).
San Mateo County
The Board of Supervisors adopted a Reusable Bag Ordinance on November 6, 2012. Effective 4/22/13 in unincorporated County areas. Plastic bag ban with a 10 cent charge on paper and reusable bags (increasing to 25 cents on 1/1/2015).
San Pablo
The City adopted a plastic bag ban and 5 cent charge per paper or reusable bag (to increase to 10 cents after two years) on October 8, 2013. Effective 1/1/14 in all retail stores.
Santa Barbara City
A plastic bag ban and ten cent paper bag charge was adopted on October 15, 2013. Effective in supermarkets and drugstores in mid April 2014, and in convenience stores by 10/15/14.
Santa Clara County
On April 26, 2011, the County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of a single-use bag ordinance. The ordinance bans single-use plastic bags and places a 15 cent minimum price requirement on single-use paper bags throughout unincorporated county areas. It became effective January 1, 2012.
Santa Cruz City
The City Council adopted a plastic bag ban and 10 cent paper bag charge on July 24. Effective in all retail stores starting April 2013.
Santa Cruz County
On September 13, 2011, the County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in favor of a single-use bag ordinance. It bans single-use plastic bags and places a 10 cent minimum price requirement on single-use paper bags throughout unincorporated county areas. Effective March 20, 2012. An expansion of the plastic bag ban to restaurants was adopted in October 2012 and went into effect April 22, 2013.
Santa Monica
The Santa Monica City Council unanimously voted for a ban on single-use plastic bags and a cost pass-through requirement per recyclable paper bag in January 2011. Visit their website for more information.
Solana Beach
On May 9, 2012, Solana Beach became the first city in San Diego County to adopt a plastic bag ban. Paper bags can be purchased for ten cents each under the ordinance.
South Lake Tahoe
On October 15, 2013, the City Council adopted a plastic bag ban in all retail stores and restaurants. First effective on 1/15/14, and effective in all stores by 10/15/14.
South San Francisco
In December 2012, the City of South San Francisco adopted a Reusable Bag Ordinance (San Mateo County Ordinance). Ban on plastic bags and charge on paper/reusable bags in all retail stores. Effective 4/22/13.
Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale passed a bag ordinance in December 2011. The ordinance bans single-use plastic bags and places a 10 cent minimum price requirement on paper bags and reusable bags which later increases. Starting June 20, 2012 it covers grocery and convenience stores and large retailers. Covers all retailers by March 2013.
Ukiah
City Council adopted an ordinance on May 2, 2012 banning plastic bags and placing a 10 cent charge on paper bags in all retail stores. The ban is operative starting in large stores within six months of adoption.
Watsonville
On May 8, 2012, Watsonville became the first city in Santa Cruz County to ban plastic bags in all retail stores. An initial 10 cent charge on paper bags is mandated to increase to 25 cents after the first year.
West Hollywood
City Council adopted a plastic bag ban with 10 cent paper charge on August 20, 2012. Effective in large stores in six months, all other retail stores in one year.
How Does a Local Government Protect Itself From Litigation?
Plastic Industry Uses Legal Harrassment to Intimidate Against Plastic Bag Bans
‹ The Problem of Plastic BagsupHow Does a Local Government Protect Itself From Litigation? ›.
( categories: Plastic Bags
Local Government
)
Login to post comments
Donate now
CAW Recycling News
Nov 7 – European Union Seeks Reduction In Plastic Bag Use
Nov 5 – Michigan Looks To Expand Its Bottle Bill
Nov 4 – Martinez City Council To Discuss Plastic Bag, Polystyrene Bans
Nov 1 – New Rule Goes Into Effect At Recycling Centers Today
Oct 31 – FTC Takes Action Against Companies Making False Biodegradable Claims
more
Mark Murray’s Blog
May 30 – Statement on Plastic Bag Bill
May 17 – It’s Crunch Time for Plastic Bag Bill
Dec 21 – 2013: The Road Ahead for Recycling
more
Plastic & Marine Debris News
Oct 31 – Legislature should ban the flimsy bag statewide: Editorial (Los Angeles Daily News)
Aug 27 – San Jose Votes To Ban Polystyrene Foam Containers (Plastics News)
Aug 12 – Time to Ban Plastic Bags Statewide (San Francisco Chronicle)
June 25 – GUEST OPINION: Regional Bag Ordinance is the Right Approach (Press Democrat)
June 12 – Reducing Waste: Getting to 75-percent recycling by ‘closing the loop’ (Mercury News)
older stories
Sign up Updates and Action Alerts
Interested in Waste Issues in Other States?
921 11th Street, Suite 420 Sacramento, CA 95814 Ph:916.443.5422 Fx: 916.443.3912
All content on this site © 2013 by each individual author. All Rights Reserved.
Jeff
My wife andI are hoarders. We have loads of plastic and paper bags in our house and garage. If this thing becomes law we will just reuse the bags that we already have.
I use cloth bags so i am all for it. Let the people who dont care about the environment pay extra to clean up thier mess.
Personally I don’t buy these environmental claims. I’ll stick with plastic.
Ok then i have a house in Love Canal for you.
We need bio-degradable politicians.
ny city council is really pushing for this type of law.
This is BS and I hope it doesn’t pass. I recycle all my plastic bags anyway. They become garbage bags for my bathroom waste baskets.
just another way for the government to pick your pocket.
From: Briana Washington
Subject: Plastic Bags in Tallahassee
Message Body:
Hi Jeff,
My name is Briana Washington and I work at Edelman, a communications firm where
one of my clients is Hilex Poly– an American manufacturer and recycler of
plastic bags (http://www.hilexpoly.com/).
I saw your post (http://jeffeats.com/2013/11/08/now-what/) about the plastic bag
debate in Tallahassee. You’re right—plastic bag taxes really add up for
families.
Based on your post, I thought you and your readers might be interested in seeing
some of the materials on BagtheBan.com, a website about the negative
consequences of plastic bag bans and taxes. For example, check out this
infographic: (http://www.bagtheban.com/multimedia/item/the-truth-about-plastic-bags).
Please let me know your thoughts on the issue. I’m happy to answer any questions
you may have and share more information that may be helpful for your blog.
Thanks for your time,
Briana
Briana Washington
Edelman Digital Public Affairs
1875 I Street NW, Ste. 900, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-772-4149
Briana.Washington@edelman.com