Doylestown Township eyes ban on single-use plastic bags, joining other Bucks County towns

Doylestown Township is taking steps to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags.

The board of supervisors authorized the advertisement of the ordinance, which will prohibit retailers from distributing the bags to customers. A public hearing is scheduled Tuesday, May 21 at the township building.

Here is what the ordinance means for the township and when it could go into effect:

Doylestown Township proposes ordinance to ban single-use plastic bags

The ordinance, which would go into effect 180 days after it is enacted, will prohibit the use of single-use plastic bags and non-recycled paper bags at retail stores. A violation will be subject to a fine of at least $50.

Businesses may provide a reusable bag or recycled paper bag s, but must charge the customer at least 15 cents per bag.

Exemptions to the ban include bags used to "package bulk items, such as produce, nuts, candy or grains; bags used to contain meats, seafood, prepared foods or bakery goods; bags used to contain live animals sold at pet stores, such as insects or fish; multiple bags sold together in packaging by a manufacturer; laundry or dry-cleaning bags; newspaper bags; and non-handled bags used to prevent a purchased item from damaging or contaminating other purchased items."

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Why is Doylestown Township proposing a ban on single-use plastic bags?

Doylestown is looking to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags, while promoting the use of reusable, compostable and recyclable materials, according to the ordinance.

It also serves to curb litter, protect local waterways, reduce solid waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve the character of the township, the ordinance states.

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Other Bucks County towns with plastic bag bans

In December 2023, Doylestown Borough passed an ordinance, which took effect last June.

Solebury also passed an ordinance in 2022 prohibiting businesses from using single-use carryout bags, containers and straws.

Newtown Township passed an ordinance last December, banning single-use plastic bags, expanded polystyrene food service products, single-use plastic straws, and single-use plastic utensils.

Newtown Borough followed, passing an ordinance prohibiting single-use plastic bags, a ban which will go into effect in September.

And nearby, Philadelphia enacted a ban on single-use plastic bags in 2021, and fully enacted its law in April 2022.

While the entire state of New Jersey has enacted its own ban on single-use plastics, barring retail stores, grocery stores and food service businesses from providing or selling single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service products.

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Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, economic development, community revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please considering supporting local journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Doylestown Township proposes ban on single-use plastic bags