Easttown Township Bans Plastic Bags

EASTTOWN TWP - Easttown supervisors Monday night unanimously approved an ordinance to ban single-use plastic bags.

Businesses will no longer be permitted to provide single-use, plastic carry-out bags, effective Jan. 1.

The five-member board of supervisors approved the ordinance to provide the 10,477 residents with clean air, pure water, and to protect streams, rivers and waterways.

The ban will reduce litter on the streets, in trees and in parks, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve the natural, scenic beauty of the 8.27 square-mile township.

“I think this is a great start to increase awareness,” said Betsy Fadem, township supervisor, echoing the sentiments of the board. “It’s not a solution, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Plastic bags often get stuck in streams, sewers and trees, and the township does not have a method to recycle plastic bags, according to the ordinance.

A resident said some locals oppose the ban because shoppers will forget to bring their own bags to the store, causing problems for shoppers.

Beth D’Antonio, board chairwoman, said there are no large, big box stores in Easttown Township.

In 2014, California was the first state in the nation to adopt a statewide ban.

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide ban on plastic bags, but several municipalities have issued bans.

They include Philadelphia and Pittsburgh; Haverford and West Goshen townships, the borough of Narberth and West Chester.

According to the ordinance:

• Recyclable paper bags and carry-out cloth bags could be used.

• Single-use plastic bags would be banned, excluding bags for produce and wrapped meats.
• For the first six months, businesses would be required to post signs alerting customers of the new policy.
• A written warning would be issued for a violation. A fine of $100 will be imposed for the first violation, $200 for the second violation and $500 for the third and each subsequent violation.

The ordinance is available here.

In July 2019, West Chester Borough Council banned single use plastic bags, effective July 2020, with enforcement beginning Jan. 1, 2022.
Under West Chester’s ordinance:

• Businesses are required to charge 10 cents per use of recyclable paper bags.
• Businesses may request exemptions for review by a borough committee.
• Businesses violating the ordinance will receive a written warning and escalating fines for successive violations.