Seattle voters reject disposable grocery bag tax - ACC

19 August 2009 18:01  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--Seattle voters on Tuesday rejected a 20-cent tax on disposable plastic and paper bags from grocery, drug and convenience stores, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) said on Wednesday.

With more than half of the votes counted, the initiative was losing by a margin of 58 to 42, according to news reports.

City officials estimated that the tax would reduce disposable bag consumption by more than 50%.

“Like other cities that have looked at this issue, Seattle has chosen to continue to reuse plastic bags and expand recycling opportunities as the best way to fight litter and to protect the environment,” said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for teh ACC.

Russell cited polls that showed 90% of Seattle residents already reuse and recycle plastic bags.

For more on polyethylene visit ICIS chemical intelligence
To discuss issues facing the chemical industry go to ICIS connect

By: David Barry
+1 713 525 2653

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly