As editor of Here's a proposed law related to plastic bags that the industry might support. Madison, Wis., Alderman Judy Compton and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz on Tuesday will propose banning the disposal of clean, recyclable plastic bags.
According to this story in the Wisconsin State Journal, soiled bags could still be thrown out. But if citizens throw away a clean bag -- instead of recycling it -- they could receive a $100 fine for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $400 for third and later offenses in a year.
"It's a matter of putting our money where our mouth is on environmental issues," Compton told the newspaper. "It's really a simple thing."
She would prefer to ban bags -- a la San Francisco. But Compton offered this proposal instead, as a compromise, because she doesn't want to penalize residents who like using plastic bags. (Some people really do... really.)
Madison doesn't plan to create a trash cop who will inspect everyone's garbage, looking for offenders. But it will make it easier for residents to recycle bags. The plan calls for investing in new drop-off recycling sites.
This is an interesting idea. It should boost bag recycling, which is pretty pitiful in most communities. It also allows people who like reusing plastic bags to do so without being penalized (assuming they don't litter, of course). That's a plus for dog owners.
Will the plastics industry actually support this idea, with its roots in the liberal hotbed of Madison? I don't see any reason why not.