Plastics Ban One Vote Away From Becoming Law In Newtown Township

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors on Nov. 21 voted 4 to 1 to advertise a new ordinance that would ban certain single-use plastics in the township beginning in the spring of 2024.

If adopted, the ordinance would ban restaurants and businesses in the township from using single-use carry out plastic bags and Styrofoam food containers except when required for food safety. It would also prohibited restaurants and businesses from providing single-use plastic straws and utensils except upon request by the customer.

“This is very simple. It’s not complicated. We’re starting with the basics,” said Supervisor Elen Snyder, adding that the vote to advertise gives the public a chance to see the details of the proposed ordinance and to respond prior to a final vote. “This is a good first step for Newtown Township,” she said.

Snyder joined fellow Democrats on the board Dennis Fisher, John Mack and Phil Calabro in voting in favor of the motion. Republican Supervisor Kyle Davis voted against the motion.

If adopted by the board of supervisors, the ordinance would take effect 120 days following adoption. The effective date is expected to be in April 2024.

The delayed implementation will give businesses time to meet the requirements of the ordinance and to educate the public. It will also give the township's Environmental Advisory Council additional time to educate the public of the coming changes.

In addition, the ordinance would allow businesses to request a temporary exemption of up to a year in order to deplete their existing inventories of single-use plastics.

According to township solicitor Dave Sander, the ordinance would be enforced by the township’s code enforcement officer.

According to Sander, the first offense would include a written warning requiring the business to comply within 30 days. The second offense would include a civil penalty of $50. A third offense is a $100 fine. And a fourth offense would be a $200 fine.

Once enacted, the ordinance will require businesses to post signage informing the public of the change, according to Elaine McCarron, who chairs the township’s EAC, which has spearheaded the pending ordinance.

If adopted, Newtown would be the latest municipality in Bucks County to pass an ordinance banning single use plastics. Last year, Doylestown Borough adopted a ban on single use plastic bags. Solebury also voted to ban single use plastic bags along with plastic straws and polystyrene food containers.

Statewide bans are already in place in New York, New Jersey and Delaware. A statewide ban has not been approved by the Pennsylvania legislature. The bans instead have been been concentrated on the municipal level.

• Curb plastic bag litter on the streets, in the parks, and in the trees.
• Protect local streams, rivers, waterways, and other aquatic environments.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste generation.
• Promote the use of reusable, compostable, and recyclable materials within the township.
• And preserve the natural, scenic, historic, and aesthetic value of the township.

Many of the township's businesses are already on board, including ACME, Iron Hill Brewery, Chipotle, PetSmart, Ace Hardware, among others, said McCarron.

McCarron said the EAC is continuing to work closely with the township's business owners in finding the best solutions to meet the ordinance requirements.

The EAC has also developed a single-use plastics playbook, offering businesses tips for preparing their employees for the transition.