EASTHAMPTON — The city is exploring new rules that would require larger businesses to provide a container where customers can recycle single-use plastic bags.
The move, while not a ban like those in place in Northampton and Amherst, is intended to help reduce waste and spread awareness about the affects the litter can do to the environment, officials said.
Under the proposed ordinance, which is set to go to public hearing in the next few weeks, establishments over 8,000 square feet must provide a recycling receptacle for such bags that is “clear and conspicuous” to the customers.
The establishments that use thin plastic bags must clearly display an information sign that is “posted in plain view to all customers as they enter the establishment.” The sign must communicate that reusable bags are preferred and that plastic bags can be collected at the store.
Restaurants are excluded from the proposed regulations. The ordinance does not include plastic bags without handles typically used for dry cleaning, newspaper and produce.
City Councilor Salem Derby, chairman of the council’s Ordinance Subcommittee, said that after talking with residents, he found that many people did not agree with a ban.
Derby said many elderly people need the handle of plastic bags and paper can be hard to carry. Many people like to reuse the bags for trash liners, he added.
He said the purpose of the ordinance is to spread awareness about the impact on the environment from plastic bags.
Establishments that do not abide by the regulations could be fined after a warning for a first offense. A second offense comes with a $50 fine, followed by $100 and $200 fines for third and fourth offenses.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.