Submitted By
Nicolas Bridge, Environment and Energy Commission Chairperson
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 ("Public Health") of the Oak Park Village Code to Add a New Article 14 - ("Retail Single-Use Bag Pilot Program")
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Overview
Overview
The Village Board referred the issue of single-use carryout bags to the Environment and Energy Commission (EEC) when the City of Chicago adopted their ban on plastic bags. After having researched ordinances regarding plastic and single-use bags enacted throughout the country and conducted outreach with both residents and business owners, the EEC is recommending that alternatively the Village impose a single-use bag fee on all carryout bags. Staff is recommending a pilot program for a two-year period, with a one-year follow-up with the EEC.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Approve the Ordinance.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Staff has reached out to the Chair of the EEC for feedback, and the EEC will accept staff's recommendation for a voluntary pilot program rather than imposing the program on the merchants at this time.
Fiscal Impact
A fee on single-use bags could generate funds to the Village. If a merchant voluntarily accepts the program, the fee would be 10 cents for every bag provided to the customer and 5 cents would be returned to the Village. The Village would use a portion of these funds for marketing those merchants who participate and "certify" them as a green business, as well as retain these funds for other sustainable activities.
Background
Originally in May of 2014, the Village Board asked the EEC to review the newly adopted ordinance by the City of Chicago to ban plastic bags. After considerable research by the EEC, the EEC decided to recommend a fee that would be imposed on any person who needs a bag, paper or plastic. After further discussion, staff recommends a voluntary program to start beginning June 2017 - June 2019. The EEC will review the iss...
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