Commentary: Plastic Bags and the Recycling and Reuse Scam

Back in 2014, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 207, which banned grocery stores from offering customers “single-use” carryout bags. Permanent implementation was delayed by a November 2016 voter referendum, Proposition 67, which unsuccessfully attempted to repeal the measure. Today it is well-established law.

The only way SB 207 was sold to the grocery industry was through an incentive that permitted them to keep the 10 cents per “reusable” bag that they would be required to charge customers.

California’s pioneering ban is touted by environmentalists as an example for the nation, and progressive cities and states have enacted similar laws. But in reality, it is a misguided policy that does more harm than good.

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Ohio Bill Allowing Plastic Bags Runs Into ‘Home Rule’ Issue

  The issue of home rule was center stage Wednesday as a House committee debated a ban on taxing plastic bags and containers. House Bill 242 would create a state-wide law allowing the use of “auxiliary containers” and prohibiting any local government from imposing a tax, fee or charge on…

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Cuyahoga County Council Expected to Pass Countywide Ban on Plastic Bags

  The Cuyahoga County Council is showing signs of supporting an ordinance that would ban the use of single-use plastic bags in the county. The council’s Education, Environment, and Sustainability Committee discussed the ban during a meeting last week, and all members expressed support. Council President Dan Brady told The…

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