Dec 16 - Bisbee, AZ Passes First Bag Ordinance in State
On Tuesday, December 13, the City Council of Bisbee, AZ passed an ordinance for a voluntary reduction of single-use plastic and paper bags during a six month trial period.
According to this article, it is the first ordinance passed in the state of Arizona that deals with single-use bag waste.
After six months, the voluntary ordinance to reduce single-use bag waste can be extended by City Council, or if it is deemed ineffective, the City Manager can then recommend the first phase of a mandatory ordinance.
The first stage requires retail and convenience stores with annual revenues of $1 million or more to charge a five cent charge on all single-use plastic bags. The second phase would include retail stores with $250,000 profits or more to initiate the bag charge, and the final stage would cover all retail establishments, including small businesses.
For more on plastic bag impacts, visit our Campaign to End Single-Use Plastic Bags page.
Take action on local plastic pollution ordinances in California here.