Pittsburgh's Plastic Bag Ban: A Step Towards Sustainability
The City of Pittsburgh's Plastic Bag Ban, which was unanimously passed in April 2022, is aimed at promoting a cleaner and more sustainable community by reducing the use of single-use plastics. Here are some key details about the ban:
Effective Date: The ban went into effect on October 14th, 2023. Starting from this date, all retail establishments within the City of Pittsburgh are prohibited from providing single-use plastic bags or non-recycled paper bags to customers at checkout or through delivery.
Prohibited Bags: Plastic carry-out bags with handles can no longer be distributed by Pittsburgh retailers at checkout or through pick-up and delivery.
Paper Bag Fee: Retailers may provide paper carry-out bags, but they must charge a minimum fee of $0.10 per bag. Retailers keep all fees collected from paper bags.
Recycled Content: Paper bags provided by retailers must contain a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled content and should not use old growth fiber.
Promoting Reusable Bags: Shoppers are encouraged to switch to reusable bags to avoid the bag fee, reduce waste, and prevent litter.
Reason for Ban: The ban is aimed at addressing the significant environmental impact of single-use plastic bags, which are often used once and not properly recycled. They contribute to litter, recycling issues, and increased microplastic pollution in water and soil.
Businesses Affected: The ban applies to all retail establishments in Pittsburgh that sell food or other products to the public and use bags for carryout items or delivery. This includes supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, department stores, and various other retail businesses.
Types of Bags Allowed: Retailers can provide reusable bags made of materials designed for multiple reuses (e.g., nylon, cotton, cloth, polyester) and compliant paper bags with the specified recycled content requirements.
Signage Requirements: Retail establishments are required to post signage at all points of sale, informing customers of the plastic bag ban. Signs must be posted by July 16th, 2023, and remain until at least April 14th, 2024.
Retailer's Bag Choice: Retailers are not required to provide any bags and can rely on customers to bring their own bags.
Restaurant Leftovers: Bags provided to customers at restaurants, including those for carrying leftovers, are subject to the ordinance.
Small Checkout Bags: Any bag with handles provided to customers, regardless of size, is subject to the policy. This includes bags for small items like a bottle of wine or notecards.
Compostable Plastics: There are no exceptions for plastic bags labeled as "compostable," "biodegradable," or "made from plants." They are still prohibited.
Existing Stock of Plastic Bags: The city is considering an allowance for businesses to use their existing plastic bag inventory until January 1st, 2024, without financial penalty. Chain stores with outlets outside of Pittsburgh can ship their bag inventory to those outlets. Retailers may also consider donating their remaining stock to organizations/businesses outside of Pittsburgh city limits, including food banks and nonprofit reuse stores.
Notice Requirement: Businesses are required to post notice of the plastic bag ban at all points of sale. The City of Pittsburgh has provided a notice that businesses can print and post.
It's important for businesses and residents in Pittsburgh to comply with this ban to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics and promote more sustainable practices.
