Newtown Borough Council will decide on whether or not implement a single-use plastic ban at a meeting next month.
On Wednesday evening, the council voted to formally advertise the proposed ordinance ahead of a vote at the March 12 meeting.
The ordinance would ban single-use plastic bags, expanded polystyrene food service products, single-use plastic straws, and single-use plastic utensils. Dry-cleaner bags and newspaper bags would be exempt.
If approved, the ordinance would go into effect 180 days later.
Solicitor Mike Clarke said his office has reviewed the proposed ordinance, adding that it is “similar if not exactly” the same as ordinances in other municipalities.
Council Member Julia Woldorf said the Newtown Borough Environmental Advisory Council will be working with businesses to educate them if it is passed. She noted that there is a template for a poster already completed.
Under the proposed ordinance, violations of the single-use plastics ban would include a warning with a 30-day grace period, a $50 fine for a second offense, $100 for a third offense, $200 for a fourth offense, and $200 for every later offense.
The borough council or its designee will be responsible for enforcement.
The proposed ordinance allows businesses to request a waiver, especially if businesses need to wind down existing stocks of single-use plastics.
Earlier this month, Woldorf said the ordinance is “very, very similar” to the one passed in Newtown Township, which takes effect on April 9.
