Here's a proposed law related to plastic bags that the industry could get behind: Madison, Wis., Alderman Judy Compton and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz on May 5 proposed banning the disposal of clean, recyclable plastic bags.
Under the proposed law, consumers can still throw away soiled bags. But, if the measure passes, citizens who throw away a clean bag — instead of recycling it — could receive a $100 fine for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $400 for additional offenses.
Compton would prefer to ban bags à la San Francisco. But she offered this proposal as a compromise, because she does not want to penalize residents who like using plastic bags.
Madison does not plan to create a “trash cop” who will inspect everyone's garbage, looking for offenders. But the city 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.