Florida Considering Statewide Ban on Plastic Bags

The state of Florida is looking at the possibility of phasing in a program that would eventually eliminate the use of plastic bags in retail environments.

The program that is being looked at right now would impose a steady increase in a fee that would be imposed on every bag used.

The decision to look at the feasibility of putting in a per-bag tax follows the Florida Energy, Climate Change and Economic Security Act of 2008, signed into law by Governor Crist. That act includes language that requires the state’s Department of Environmental Protection to perform an analysis and present a report regarding the "efficacy and necessity of both statewide and local regulation" of "auxiliary containers, wrappings, or disposable plastic bags used by consumers to carry product from retail establishments."

The DEP is directed to complete this analysis and report for submission to the Legislature by February 1, 2010.

To accomplish this, the DEP is looking at a number of issues. The analysis and report will focus on the following:

♦ Is retail bag regulation necessary? To determine this, we will examine data about:

• The amount of retail bags generated, recycled, and disposed

• The role retail bags play in Florida's litter

• The effect retail bags have on wildlife and environment

• Life cycle studies which compare various retail bag alternatives

• Retail sector response to environmental issues connected with the use of bags

• What retail bag policies are most effective? To determine this, we will examine local and statewide options for: bans, fees, restrictions, and retail sector self-regulation.

For more information on the research, report or to comment on the proposed legislation, click on the following link: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/retailbags/