April 23, 2015
A city councilman will propose a measure Thursday that would require all stores in Philadelphia to charge a nickel for every plastic or paper shopping bag, CBSPhilly reports.
City council members attempted to ban plastic bags entirely back in 2007 and 2009 with no success. This new proposal by 1st District Councilman Mark Squilla would force retailers to charge shoppers 5 cents for every bag used at purchase.
“There would be no more free bags to be issued (by stores) in the city of Philadelphia,” Squilla told CBSPhilly. “The fee would be 5 cents per plastic bag or paper bag, and that money would be split between the retailer and the city of Philadelphia.”
Under Squilla’s plan, stores could opt out by not offering single-use bags, but must place signs informing customers of that decision. It does include some exceptions, including bags used by dry cleaners and pharmacies, and bags used to wrap meats, baked goods or flowers.
Stores would keep 3 cents of each nickel fee, while the remaining 2 cents would go to the city to fund anti-littering programs. The fee would exclude larger, durable canvas or plastic bags that are meant to be re-usable.
The bag fee would take effect July 1, 2016, if approved by council and signed by the mayor.
Read more from CBSPhilly.
