What are the key reasons behind the Township’s ban on single-use plastic bags and straws?
  • To reduce litter. If not disposed of properly, these bags and straws litter our streets, waterways, commercial corridors, and adversely affect marine life and birds.
  • To save money and keep staff safe. Plastic bags are not recyclable curbside yet are often placed in recycling bins. Once at the recycling facility, the bags get caught in the equipment. This is dangerous for recycling center staff and costs the Township money. Each year, plastic bags account for hours of lost staff time at our recycling facility.
  • To make the Township cleaner, reduce waste, and save taxpayer dollars. No bag option is without impact, so reducing waste means cutting down on the use of paper bags as well. We urge all retailers to encourage their customers to shop with reusable bags.

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1. What are the key reasons behind the Township’s ban on single-use plastic bags and straws?
2. When does the ban go into effect?
3. Which businesses does this affect?
4. What is actually banned?
5. What kind of bags can businesses provide?
6. Does the 40 % recycled content rule apply to all paper bags?
7. Are there any exemptions?
8. What are the signage requirements?
9. Do I have to get rid of my existing stock of plastic bags?
10. Can businesses charge customers for bags?
11. What are the fines for non-compliance?
12. What is the financial cost of this ban to taxpayers?
13. Would a fee or tax on single-use bags have the same effect as a ban?
14. Why don’t retailers and businesses convert to biodegradable plastic bags?
15. Milk, produce, meat, and cold products need plastic bags to protect them from sweating. Will I still be able to get plastic bags for these items?
16. I take my single-use plastic bags back to the grocery store to discard in established recycle bins. Is this considered a proper disposal method?