Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban Approved In Jenkintown

JENKINTOWN BOROUGH, PA — The borough has become the latest community to ban single-use plastic bags and a few other plastic items.

The Jenkintown Borough Council — with the assistance of the Jenkintown Environmental Advisory Committee — passed an ordinance on March 25 on “Single Use Plastic Regulations.”

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The new law regulates single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, and stirrers at retail establishments within the borough.

The new law is effective on July 23.

Jenkintown joins several Montgomery County communities that have banned single plastic bag usage.

They include: Abington, Cheltenham, Ambler, Upper Dublin Township, Upper Merion, Upper Moreland, Lower Merion, Narberth, West Norriton, and Montgomery Township.

The bans typically affect retail stores, restaurants, and grocery stores, often encouraging the use of reusable bags.

Once Jenkintown's ban goes into place, retail establishments will no longer be permitted to provide single-use plastic bags to customers.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own bags. Retail establishments may provide a recycled paper bag or a reusable bag for a minimum fee of $0.10.

All proceeds from bag fees are retained by the retail establishment.

Also, retail establishments will only provide compostable straws and stirrers. Single-use plastic straws will still be available upon customer request.

Businesses are required to display signage informing customers of these changes beginning on Wednesday through Sept. 23.

The Jenkintown Environmental Advisory Committee has prepared an information Tool Kit to help businesses understand the law, including a summary of exemptions, frequently asked questions, and enforcement details. Non-compliance will first be addressed through a written notice of violation.

Businesses that have recently purchased a supply of single-use plastic bags may apply for a hardship exemption of up to one year by contacting the Borough Manager.