Politics & Government

Village Considers Plastic Bag Ban

Board wants to follow Southampton Village's example.

East Hampton Village Board is considering following in the footsteps of Southampton in banning plastic bags from stores and restaurants.

Mayor Paul F. Rickenbach, Jr. has proposed legislation that would outlaw plastic checkout bags at , , among others.

In April, in New York State. Despite the backing of environmental advocates, the board had been divided on the issue after the objections of the plastics and supermarket industries.

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"I monitored that very closely because I applaud the initiative the village took," Rickenbach said at an East Hampton Village Board work session on Thursday.

Recently, he said, he was walking along a nature trail and saw plastic bags caught on twigs in a stream. "That kind of just put me over the edge," he said.

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He proposed the board adopt similar legislation to Southampton's, which would include a fine not to exceed $1,000 and a six month phase in period.

"I don't think there's a downside" to the ban, he said. "I think it's the right thing to do." And, he received support from the board.

Deputy Mayor Barbara Borsack said she often pulls plastic bags that blow down to her house from the area of CVS out of her hedges.

Board member David Browne asked if farmers markets were exempt from the ban. Village attorney Linda Reilly said that as the legislation in Southampton is written, farmers markets are obliged to adhere to the law. However, those who are selling something out of their home, for instance at a tag sale, would be exempt, she said.

Under Southampton's legislation, grocery stores could still use smaller plastic bags for produce. Checkout bags larger than 28 by 36 inches and produce bags would not be subject to the ban.

Borsack asked if the law would apply to the plastic bags that newspapers are delivered in. "I don't want a wet newspaper," Borsack said with a laugh.

Reilly clarified that as written the law only applies to retail establishments.

However, the board said they could always amend the law later if they wanted to later.

Rickenbach called the ban a major step toward becoming a more environmentally friendly village.

The law also calls for certain type of recyclable paper bags - none of old growth fiber -- to be used if paper bags are offered. There was some question as to how anyone would know what type of paper the bags were.

A public hearing will be scheduled for July 29. "We encourage public to come in and hopefully be supportive. Of course, we'll listen to any contrary dialogue as well," Rickenbach said.


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