Proposed West Vincent Ordinance Will Try to Ban Single-Use Plastic

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  The West Vincent board of supervisors has a public hearing scheduled for July 17, writes Evan Brandt for The Daily Local News.

The proposed ordinance will ban businesses from providing plastic bags, straws, utensils, and polystyrene food containers to customers. A vote on the ordinance could occur after the hearing. 

The intent of the ordinance “is to encourage consumers and commercial establishments within the township to help reduce the use and environmental impact of single-use plastic products.” 

The ordinance, if approved, would go into effect 90 days after its adoption. The ordinance would permit the use of recyclable paper bags, at the cost of 10-15 cents per bag. 

The bag fee will not be imposed on customers who are on SNAP, WIC, or TANF benefits. 

The ordinance also allows “using bags of any type that the customers, patrons, or users of the commercial establishment bring to the commercial establishment for their own use.” 

The harmful effects of plastic were noted in the ordinance draft. “Single-use carry-out plastic bags, polystyrene food and drink containers, and single-use plastic straws pollute the environment, harm wildlife and natural landscapes, clog storm drains and drainage systems, and enter the waters of the Commonwealth creating further damage to aquatic life and ecosystems.”  

 The July 17 public hearing and potential vote will begin at 7 PM at the township building at 729 St. Matthews Road in Chester Springs. 

Courtesy: www.vista.today