Agenda Item - 2010-09-20 (06) Model RESOLUTION
Promote use of reusable bags: prohibit the provision of single-use plastic or non-recycled
paper checkout bags at all retail stores, but allow regulated stores to charge a minimum of 5
cents per bag for recyclable paper bags containing at least 40% recycled fiber, and provide
reusable bags for purchase by consumers.
WHEREAS, single-use plastic bags are difficult to recycle and frequently contaminate
material that is processed through the City's curbside recycling and composting programs;
and
WHEREAS, recycled content paper checkout bags are a high value recyclable collected in
the City's curbside recycling program and are made in paper mills located in the region.
While papermaking has environmental impacts,when made with 40 percent or more recycled
fiber,paper bags provide a positive alternative to plastic bags; and
WHEREAS, Council acknowledges that many local businesses have taken affirmative
steps to accomplish this goal and recognizes their proactive efforts; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for the Oregon Legislature to provide statewide
regulation of the single use checkout bags; and
WHEREAS,members of the Oregon State legislature will introduce legislation during the
2011 state legislative session to pass legislation banning single-use plastic and paper
checkout bags,but allowing retailers to charge a five cent minimum on recyclable paper bags
containing at least 40%recycled fiber, to benefit all of Oregon; and
WHEREAS, members of the Oregon State Legislature and the City of
Council hereby recognize our mutual and collaborative efforts to ban single-use plastic and
paper checkout bags . but allowing retailer to charge a five cent minimum on paper bags
containing at least 40%recycled fiber s a means of reducing waste and promoting
sustainability in Oregon; and
WHEREAS, if the State does not act to regulate the single-use checkout bags the Council
will find it necessary to enact regulations governing the City of
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that in the event that the State is not successful in
passing legislation substantially similar to the draft bill attached hereto as Exhibit A by
sine die of the 2011 State Legislative Session and with an effective date of no later than
January 1, 2012,the Mayor,will bring forward an ordinance substantially similar to
Exhibit B attached hereto in order to implement a ban on plastic and paper checkout
bags and allowing a five cent minimum charge on recyclable paper bags containing at
least 40% recycled fiber in the City of