SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle City Council is hearing public comments Monday on a measure that would ban plastic bags from grocers, retailers and department stores.
The measure would also charge 5 cents for every plastic bag as a way to encourage reusable bags.
It’s the city’s second attempt to restrict the use of plastic bags to protect Puget Sound and reduce marine pollution that can harm wildlife.
In 2008, the council voted to charge a 20-cent fee on paper and plastic bags only to have the measure overturned by voters in a referendum bankrolled by the plastics industry.
The American Chemistry Council sent a letter Monday to several councilmembers. It says promoting recycling is a more effective way to reduce bag litter and waste.
