News

Philadelphia FINALLY PASSED A PLASTIC BAG BAN!

City Council passed legislation, now waiting signature from Mayor Kenney

Philadelphia finally passed a plastic bag ban bill, sponsored by Councilman Mark Squilla. The bill bans plastic bags at supermarkets, convenience stores, service stations, department stores, dollar stores, clothing stores, restaurants, food trucks, farmers’ markets, dry cleaners, and delivery services.

However, a fee on paper bags was removed from the legislation. Critics have voiced concerns that removing the fee will make the bill less effective.

According to the City Council website, the bill “Prohibition on Use of Certain Bags and Checkout Bag Charge,” to permit the use of only certain bags by retail establishments at the point of sale or for a delivery; and establishing a charge, payable by the consumer to the establishment, for the provision of other types of bags; all under certain terms and conditions.”


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

25% of City is solar-powered*, Getting to Green & new watershed exhibit

The latest green news you missed. Here comes the sun! Approximately 25% of municipal city…

2 days ago

Native plants and the future of our drinking water

Native plants are part of a collective solution to the expanding problem of stormwater mitigation…

4 days ago

Earth week: Winner of SBN’s Food Saver Challenge, Swarthmore’s Solar purchase & more

Read the latest sustainability news. Earth Day was Monday is every day, and was celebrated…

1 week ago

Four Ways to Improve Recycling in Philly

Recycling in Philly is broken. Here’s how Mayor Parker’s administration could fix it. Recycling in…

1 week ago

The EPA’s Efforts in Climate Action, Public Engagement, and Earth Month Initiatives

We sat down with Adam Ortiz, EPA's Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator to chat about transparency and…

2 weeks ago

Is My Recycling Being … Recycled?

Philadelphians' skepticism about the City’s waste policies has led to an abysmal recycling rate. Here’s…

3 weeks ago