Pittsburgh Ban On Single-Use Plastic Bags Looming

PITTSBURGH, PA — Adieu, blue bags. The much-anticipated city ban on single-use plastic bags will take effect Oct. 14.

City Council last year approved a ban on the bags last April that was supposed to go into effect in April. But Mayor Ed Gainey delayed the move six months to "ensure a successful rollout of this landmark initiative," Gainey's office said in a statement.

According to the city council legislation, Americans use an estimated 100 billion plastic bags per year. The bags are often used only once and are rarely recycled properly, leading them to litter treets and sidewalks, clog recycling machines and storm drains, and eventually increase the presence of microplastic in water and soil.

The region's largest grocery-only store, Giant Eagle has begun posting signs notifying customers about the change at its stores, Market District and GetGo location. Giant Eagle and Market District stores already are selling reusable bags.

Additionally, grocery stores and other retailers can sell brown paper bags to consumers.