PORTLAND (AP) — Advocates in Portland who want to see a reduction in single-use plastic and paper grocery bags are favoring a per-bag fee to help shoppers switch to reusable totes, instead.

A group is meeting Monday to review other U.S. communities’ efforts to discourage single-use bags and consider an ordinance in Portland that would assess a 10-cent fee on every paper and plastic bag.

The Portland Press Herald reported (http://bit.ly/19i2vp1) advocates for a fee say it would reduce a common form of litter that often clogs city storm drains and gets into waterways, where it is a hazard to marine life.

Opponents said it would encourage people to shop outside Portland, and that education and recycling are better solutions to the litter problem.

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

filed under:
fee, grocery, litter, Maine, paper, plastic, Portland
Related Stories
Latest Articles