By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
Northfield’s Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) is exploring the possibility of an ordinance to limit the use of single-use plastic bags and is seeking the community’s input. The EQC’s proposed ordinance would impose a “pass-through charge” on single-use carryout bags. A “pass-through charge” is a mandatory fee that merchants collect from customers for each carryout bag provided at checkout. With each plastic bag, a fee of $0.05 would be applied. Using a reusable bag would not incur a fee. Note that this ordinance is still in the drafting stage and is not the final proposal.
The survey seeking input was launched on April 26th, which was Earth Day, and is open until September 12th. There are separate surveys for residents, business owners, and managers.
Take the survey, open until September 12th:
Take the survey for business owners and managers
Advocates say that the fee would help reduce waste and encourage more sustainable options. Risi Karim is the Assistant to the City Administrator:
“That would essentially try to change behavior for people instead of, you know, paying $0.05 per plastic bag when you’re going out to grocery shop, maybe consider bringing a reusable bag with you. because again, we are trying to cut down on the amount of plastic and waste that we are sending to the landfill.” – Risi Karim, Assistant to the City Administrator, KYMN News Interview.
Michael Provancha, the Chair of the EQC, noted that this already happens in Northfield:
“Co-op here in town is already doing this as well. I go there and shop there. They’re wonderful and they charge $0.25.” – Michal Provancha, Chair of Northfield’s Environmental Quality Commission, KYMN News Interview
Similar ordinances have been implemented in Minneapolis, Duluth, and Edina. Exceptions to the fee include government agencies, religious institutions, food banks, farmers’ markets, nonprofit organizations, or recognized food assistance programs.
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