Jan 9 - NYC Passes Bag Recycling, Reuse Ordinance
The New York City Council adopted a measure today that would require retailers to recycle plastic bags, as well as offer reusable bags. Edith Honan of Reuters writes the new ordinance is part of a wave of national awareness of the problems of plastic bags and litter and marine debris pollution:
"Environmentalists have targeted plastic bags as a scourge that take years to biodegrade and contaminate soil and water. In March, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to ban non-biodegradable plastic bags from large supermarkets and the state of California enacted a law in July that requires large stores to take back plastic bags and encourage their reuse."
The law, which is expected to be approved by Mayor Bloomberg, closely resembles California's own, CAW-sponsored AB 2449 (Levine), which has been in effect since July 2007.
CAW and Plastic Bags:
- Learn more about California's Plastic Bag Recycling Law (2006 AB 2449, Levine)
- Learn more about the issue of plastic bags