City of Austin working to stop use of plastic, papers bags

The city of Austin is currently working to pass a ban that will stop the use of most plastic and papers bags throughout the city.

This plan is one of the broadest bans that has been introduced throughout the country and it has a goal to ban most plastic and paper bags in the city by 2016. While waiting for a total ban, in 2013, retailers can begin to charge 25 cents for plastic bags.

The next three year period will be a way to transition to a full ban, according to a draft. Since 2007, more than two dozen U.S. cities have put some type of bag ban into affect.

In Austin’s proposed idea, only a few places will be exempt from the ban. These include: restaurant carry out bags, wine and beer bags, bags that hold meat and fish, and bags for bulk food. Retailers will have to offer reusable bags that are made of a durable fabric.

The Austin garage door specialists of Cowart Door Systems are happy to keep Austin residents informed on changes that affect the area. For more information, visit the Austin American-Statesman online today.