San Francisco to decide on plastic bags ban

29 March 2007 09:06  [Source: ICIS news]

SAN FRANCISCO (ICIS news)--Mayor Gavin Newsom is “favourably disposed” towards signing an ordinance to phase out the use of non-degradable plastics in major-chain supermarkets and pharmacies, a spokesman for the mayor told ICIS news on Wednesday.

Organisations representing the two retail sectors in San Francisco had strongly opposed the measure, which the city board of supervisors approved, 10-to-one, on Tuesday.

The ordinance would be the first of its kind in the nation, and it could cost millions of dollars in lost business or retooling expense to manufacturers.

Citing data from the city’s Department of the Environment and the Worldwatch Institute, the San Francisco Chronicle said about 180m plastic shopping bags are used here each year – and that retailers pay 2-3 cents per bag versus 5-10 cents for a degradable bag.

The ordinance would give supermarkets six months and pharmacies a year to stop using non-degradable bags, and would take effect 30 days after it becomes law.

The mayor has until 26 April to sign or veto the measure. If he does neither, it will become law on that date.

By: Richard Knee
+1 713 525 2653

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