Last week the City's Adminstrative Services Committee met to discuss the timeline for evaluating the goals and options for limiting single-use plastic bags in Corvallis.  As you will recall, the Sierra Club and others provided over 1,000 signatures and a proposed ordinance to the City Council last month that would have implemented a ban on the bags.
The Chamber spoke to the Council and to the Adminstrative Services Committee about the ban, urging them to take time to ensure all stakeholders have the opportunity to be engaged in discussion of the ban or some alternative that would limit the impact of single-use plastic bags on the environment.  Our concern is the impact a ban would have on small businesses, and the need for educating consumers about any ordinance enacted.

As proposed, the ordinance would exempt many single-use bags, such as newspaper bags, bags used to take out food from restaurants, and produce bags.  The proposed ordinance also calls for businesses to charge a 5-cent fee for those consumers who opt for a paper bag - which must be 40%+ recycled content.  Because that has to be printed on the sales receipt, that will require programming and employee training, additional hidden costs.

While many people like their plastic bags and use them to cover bike seats, serve as trash bags, and tote muddy shoes around, we believe the City Council will take some action toward at least reducing the volume of bags next year. That's why we need to hear from you.

What do you tihnk of the proposal?  Are there alternatives that we could consider?  What other ideas should be on the table?  Let us know in the comment section below.  Thanks!