Earlier this year the City Council passed a bill requiring stores over 5,000 square-feet to offer recycling for plastic bags, as well as have bins where bags can be returned. Now the NY Post is reporting that Mayor Bloomberg has proposed a charge of 5-cent per plastic bag for shoppers who choose to use them (over, say, their own reusable grocery bags). "The plan - which may need approval from the state Legislature if it's determined to be a tax - may include charging shoppers 6 cents, with a penny going to stores as incentive for collecting the new tax," the paper reports--all in all it's a move that could bring in around $16 million for the city. While some cheered on the idea, others expressed concerns, and a Harlem bodega owner noted that "It may work at the bigger stores, but it won't work for bodega. People want free bags all the time."
Published Nov 7, 2008
Modified Nov 7, 2008
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2023. Donate today
