In Pittsburgh, PA, a 10-cent fee is charged for each compliant paper bag provided by businesses. This fee is part of a broader effort to reduce single-use plastic bags and encourage more sustainable alternatives within the city.
Bag Fee Details in Pittsburgh
The bag fee specifically applies to certain types of bags provided to customers at the point of sale. Understanding the details can help businesses and consumers comply with the local ordinance.
- Fee Amount: A mandatory 10-cent fee is applied to each bag that meets the city's specific criteria.
- Applicable Bags: This fee typically applies to compliant paper bags. For a paper bag to be considered compliant, it must meet certain environmental standards:
- It must contain no old-growth fiber.
- It must be made from at least 40% post-consumer recycled content.
- Purpose: The fee aims to reduce litter, decrease waste sent to landfills, and promote the use of reusable bags among residents and visitors.
Context of the Bag Fee
The bag fee in Pittsburgh is implemented alongside a ban on single-use plastic bags. This type of legislation encourages a shift away from disposable options. Businesses are permitted to provide:
- Reusable Bags: Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, or businesses may offer them for sale.
- Compliant Paper Bags: For customers who do not bring a reusable bag, businesses can provide compliant paper bags, for which the 10-cent fee is charged.
This local ordinance in Pittsburgh is an example of municipal efforts to address environmental concerns through economic incentives and regulations regarding shopping bags. It's important to note that specific bag fees and regulations can vary by municipality within Pennsylvania, as there isn't a uniform statewide bag fee at this time.
