The era of free, single-use plastic bags in Edmonds came closer to an end after a 4-2 vote by the City Council on June 2.
One of three draft ordinances referred to as the “retail” ordinance was chosen by the council to be passed on for environmental review at their regular meeting. The draft ordinance bans single-use plastic checkout bags given at the check stand in retail establishments. The ban does not include those provided solely for produce, bulk food, or meat.
In place of plastic bags, retail establishments may offer their customers recyclable paper bags or reusable bags. Stores that choose not follow the plastic bag ban may be subject to fines of $100 or more.
“I think this is the best for the city, I believe this is the best for business and I think this is the most equitable solution,” councilman Strom Peterson said.
Recent discussions surrounding a ban on plastic bags generated “excitement on both ends,” he said.
Before the council vote, those on both sides of the debate commented on a potential ban.
Mark Johnson, vice president of governmental affairs for the Washington Retail Association said that while the association supports the reduction of both single-use paper and plastic bags, it does not support an outright ban or a tax on plastic bags.
“The Washington Retail Association fears an outright ban on plastic bags or a tax will have a detrimental impact on both retailers and their customers,” he said.
Instead, he asked that the association partner with the city on a reusable bag program coupled with increased recycling of paper and plastic bags.
Others thanked council members for taking on the issue and offered their support for a ban.
“People are use to having everything their way but we need to clean this place up and every city needs to clean their area up,” resident Dave Page said. “When it comes down to it we need to do this. It’s something we can be proud of as a community.”
The ban was approved by council members Peterson, Dave Orvis, Michael Plunkett and Peggy Pritchard Olson. Councilman Ron Wambolt and council president D.J. Wilson opposed the ordinance and councilman Steve Bernheim did not attend the meeting.
Enforcing the ban is too difficult, Wilson said, adding that he would prefer to place a fee on plastic bag use.
“I don’t think we have the code enforcement staff to enforce that (ban),” he said. “I tend to agree with Mr. Wambolt that this has been a very useful exercise. I’m glad we did it, I would do it again but I think the discussion has run its course.”
An amendment was included as part of the ban and states that Edmonds will work with retailers and retail associations to educate the public about the benefits of using reusable bags before and after a final approved ordinance goes into effect. Prior to enactment, the mayor will “designate an existing department within the city as the department charged with enforcing” a ban, and the department will have the power to issue civil infractions for any violations.
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