Annapolis City Passes Plastic Bag Ban, Paper Bags to Replace Plastic
The City of Annapolis has passed a new ordinance banning plastic bags, with the city clerk's office confirming the approval on Monday. Mayor Gavin Buckley (D) is expected to sign the bill, which passed with just one dissenting vote on July 22, 2024.
Once signed, the ban will take effect on January 22, 2025. This legislation will require shoppers to use paper or reusable bags, with paper bags available for a 10-cent fee. The city has allocated $5,000 to provide free reusable bags to low-income residents.
Alderman DaJuan Gay (D-Ward 6) was the sole vote against the bill, advocating for an amendment to exempt residents on public assistance from the paper bag fee. This amendment was defeated due to enforcement concerns. Despite his opposition to the amendment's rejection, Gay supports the overall plastic bag ban but seeks a more equitable implementation.
The Annapolis ban mirrors a similar measure implemented in Anne Arundel County earlier this year, which did not include Annapolis due to its autonomous legislative authority. Exemptions to the ban include bags for fresh flowers, dry cleaning, newspapers, ice, baked goods, prescription drugs, and bulk items like vegetables, nuts, and seafood.
For more details, refer to the original report by The Capital.
