HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Member Item - 08-18-2014 - Plastic Bag Ordinanc��
CITY OF HUNTINGTON
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City Council Interoffice Co munica
To: Honorable Mayor and City I Me ers
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From: Joe Carchio, City Council7TEM
Date: August 7, 20214
Subject: CITY COUNCIL MEMBETHE AUGUST 18, 2014,
CITY COUNCIL MEETINT C BAG ORDINANCE
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Since the passing of the Plastic Bag Ordinance in Huntington Beach, it has become extremely
controversial from the charging of the 10 cents for paper bags to health issues expressed by
both customers and grocery store workers who, in many cases, refuse to handle terribly soiled
bags because of fears of bacterial infection. Since through research it has been determined
that the cost of paper bags to grocery stores does not exceed 5 cents and that the city has no
benefit from the collection of these funds, I am suggesting that we reduce the charge to
customers to 5 cents per bag and remove the mandatory element from the ordinance making
the charging of paper bags optional to the stores.
I am further suggesting a buy-back program where customers can return bags (plastic)
purchased at the grocery store for credit or replacement at no charge. This will help eliminate
the health issues connected to bags that clerks are unwilling to presently bag.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Direct City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to amend the current ordinance on plastic bags
allowing stores to only charge a maximum of 5 cents with the option of not charging for paper
bags, including the establishment of a buy-back program for purchased plastic bags.
JC:cf
Xc: Fred Wilson, City Manager
Ken Domer, Assistant City Manager
Joan Flynn, City Clerk
Jennifer McGrath, City Attorney
No)