Thursday, January 10, 2008

Plastic Bag Take-Back

City Hall, January 9, 2008 – At today’s Stated Council meeting, Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and members of the City Council will vote on far-reaching environmental legislation that would require the placement of plastic bag recycling bins at stores throughout New York City.

Helping to protect the environment, keep litter off city streets and to reduce and recycle as many plastic bags as possible, the Council will vote on landmark legislation that would require the placement of plastic bag recycling bins at stores throughout New York City. The legislation applies to stores that use plastic bags and occupy 5,000 or more square feet or have more than five outlets in New York City. Upon passage, this bill will be one of the country’s most far-reaching and comprehensive recycling bills, much wider in scope when compared to other local recycling laws.

The legislation will require store operators to provide an easily accessible collection bin for plastic bags in visible locations. In addition, the stores will be required to use plastic bags that display the words “Please return this bag to a participating store for recycling” or a similar message as well as make reusable bags available for purchase. The stores will also be required to submit annual reports to the Department of Sanitation on the amount and weight of collected plastic bags.

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