FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 23, 2015

MEDIA CONTACTS

Kristin Lynett, Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability, kristin.lynett@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5571

Tacoma May Consider Disposable Bag Restrictions

In an effort to further the sustainability vision of the community, Tacoma City Council may consider placing restrictions on disposable shopping bag use in 2016. The City of Tacoma’s Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability is seeking feedback on behalf of the City Council’s Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability Committee to inform what action, if any, City Council will take on this issue.

To address the estimated two billion disposable plastic shopping bags used in Washington State each year, thirteen other communities within the state have implemented disposable bag regulations. Common elements of bag restriction models include banning plastic bags, charging for post-consumer recycled content paper bags, and allowing exemptions for low-income individuals.

Starting Monday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Dec. 20, the public is invited to give feedback through an online survey accessible from the City’s website.

Business owners and members of the public are also encouraged to give feedback at the Sustainable Tacoma Commission meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Tacoma Municipal Building (747 Market St., 9th Floor).

For detailed information about upcoming meetings, disposable shopping bags, and related resources or to take the feedback survey, visit cityoftacoma.org/ShoppingBags.

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