PORTLAND — The Portland City Council has approved an ordinance banning most plastic shopping bags at major grocery stores and certain big-box stores. The rule approved Thursday takes effect Oct. 15 and is designed to curb pollution.
Mayor Sam Adams proposed the ban after this year’s legislative session did not enact statewide restrictions.
The Oregonian says the ban targets supermarkets with $2 million or more in gross annual sales, plus stores with pharmacies and at least 10,000 square feet of space, such as Target and Walmart.
The ban does exempt plastic bags used for produce, meat and bulk food at grocery stores. Pharmacists dispensing medicine may use plastic bags to protect a customer’s privacy.
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