NEW YORK--This month, the New York City Council passed the "New York City Plastic Carryout Bag Recycling Law," requiring any store in New York City that uses plastic bags and occupies 5,000 or more square feet to establish an in-store recycling program for plastic bags.
The legislation mirrors California legislation (AB 2449) passed in 2006, which also encourages in-store recycling by consumers.
AB 2449, sponsored by Assemblymember Lloyd Levine (D -- Van Nuys, CA), requires certain grocery stores and retail pharmacies with more than 10,000 s of retail space to provide in-store recycling programs for plastic carryout bags. In addition, the Plastic Bag Recycling Act of 2006 requires that certain grocers and pharmacies provide bins for the collection of plastic bags brought back by customers for recycling. Grocery stores and retail pharmacies are responsible for the collection, transportation and recycling of plastic carryout bags returned to their stores.
Across the nation, many states and local governments are seeking to enact policies that encourage environmental responsibility. While some have considered banning plastic bags as a means to reduce litter, most have determined that encouraging the recycling of plastic bags is a better option. For example, like California and New York City, Illinois recently passed a plastic bag recycling law, and Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island are in the process of considering plastic bag recycling policies.
The Progressive Bag Affiliates of the American Chemistry Council
www.plasticbagrecycling.org
Comments, Pingbacks:
No Comments/Pingbacks for this post yet...
