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Plastic Bag and Polystyrene Foam Ban
Single-use plastic bag and polystyrene foam ban in effect starting March 1, 2019
Did you know that Oregonians use an estimated 1.7 billion single-use plastic bags a year? Or that polystyrene foam can last hundreds of years in landfills? A reduction in single-use plastics and polystyrene foam can mean less litter for Milwaukie and the environment.
At its Aug. 21, 2018, regular session meeting, City Council approved an ordinance that bans single-use plastic bags and polystyrene foam packaging by restaurants and retail stores with a store footprint of 10,000 square feet or larger, as well as businesses located on city-owned property. The ban becomes effective on March 1, 2019.
City Council adopted the ordinance to ban plastic bags and polystyrene packaging as part of the city's overall waste reduction and recycling goals to help reduce plastics in the waste stream. On March 1, 2019, businesses must provide only recycled paper bags or reusable bags as checkout bags for customers. Single-use 'compostable' or 'biodegradable' plastic bags are prohibited as checkout bags under the new ordinance (Learn more about the potential harms of such packaging in this Oregon DEQ Report).
Between now and the date this ordinance goes into effect, retailers are allowed to continue using single-use bags to draw down their stock. Once in effect, businesses found in violation of the ban will face monetary fines.
Plastic bags that are provided at times other than checkout are allowed, which includes bags for meat, produce, bulk items and prescription drugs. Plastic bags that are at least 4 millimeters thick would be considered reusable and may be provided at the retailer's discretion.
To see if your business falls within Milwaukie city limits, visit the Milwaukie Look Up Mapping App:
http://milwaukie.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=cda9a83...
Plastic Bag Alternatives
While "compostable" or "green" labeled packaging and bags may seem like a clear alternative to single-use plastic and polystyrene foam packaging, they may not be the most environmentally friendly option. Some "compostable" or "green" packaging can cause problems for the regions recycling and compost systems. Make sure to do your research and be a smart consumer.
Reusable bags are a great option for your shopping needs. Keep an extra bag in your vehicle or workplace for easy access!
Read about Milwaukie's Bag Ban in this news article released September 2018 by Pamplin Media Group:
https://pamplinmedia.com/sl/405448-303371-milwaukie-first-city-in-clacka...
For more information, contact Natalie Rogers at rogersn@milwaukieoregon.gov or 503.786.7668. Details about the ordinance can also be found here.
