Public Hearing Feb. 27 On New Canaan's Carryout Bag Ordinance

NEW CANAAN, CT — Following the lead of other area communities, New Canaan is considering a ban on non-recyclable retail bags, and the Town Council will hold a public hearing on topic on Feb. 27, according to officials.

"The purpose of this [ordinance] is to preserve and protect the environment and encourage the use of Reusable Carryout Bags by reducing the use of Carryout Bags made of plastic and prohibiting the use of Carryout Bags made of non-recyclable paper," the proposal states.

Plastic bags would be prohibited under the ordinance, except for reusable carryout bags, and retailers could only provide paper bags if they are:

• Are 100 percent recyclable
• Contain a minimum of 40 percent post-consumer recycled content (except that an eight pound or smaller paper bag shall contain a minimum of 20 percent post-consumer recycled content)
• Conspicuously display the phrase "Reusable and Recyclable," and the percentage of post-consumer recycled content, on the outside of the bag

Retailers that provide bags must charge the customer $0.10 at checkout, and the store will have to post a sign in the establishment stating the fact that it charges customers for the bag.

To read the proposed ordinance, click here.

The Feb. 27 public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room. A vote on the proposal is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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