SACO — Officials seek public input on a proposal to ban all single-use plastic shopping bags.
The Portland Press Herald reports a public hearing is set for Monday in Saco.
If the proposal is approved by the City Council in April, Saco will join the towns of York, Freeport and Kennebunk in banning single-use plastic bags altogether. Other communities have adopted fees for single-use plastic and paper shopping bags.
Supporters say plastic creates litter and is harmful to sensitive marine ecosystems. But some councilors worry about how the ban would impact residents and businesses.
If approved, the ordinance would take effect 30 days after the vote. However, the city wouldn’t enforce the ban for six months to give businesses and residents time to adjust.
Brenda Nolan of Auburn pushes a cart full of groceries in plastic bags through the parking lot of Hannaford’s in Auburn in 2015.
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