The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors prepares a draft to ban plastic bags

Good news! The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted to direct staff to prepare a draft plastic bag ban ordinance. There was great support and little controversy.

The board discussed a bit the challenges of packing meat and/or vegetables and bulk products and it is expected that staff will take these challenges into consideration as they draft the ordinance.

Chuck Schager, Eel River Disposal and Resource Recovery, explained the challenges associated with recycling plastic bags, noting that the lower quality plastic film (dark, colored plastics) have been nearly impossible to recycle for several months and that there are approximately 67 tons of this type of plastic sitting on the floor in Fortuna waiting to move.

I commented briefly and let them know that in little more than 24 hours we gathered more than 90 (!!!) signatures from the public encouraging them to move in this direction. I let them know the people were behind them as they work to ban plastic bags.

Be sure to thank your supervisor for their vote! And a special thanks to Supervisor Fennell for making the motion and to Supervisor Lovelace for the second.

I will let you all know when the draft ordinance is available for review and continue to follow this issue.

And, don’t forget: you can ban plastic bags in your life at any time simply by not accepting them at stores! Your actions will have an impact.

  • Robert Brothers and Rosalie Anne like this.

Leave a Comment

*