Lawrence ban on single-use plastic bags goes into effect this week
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Single-use plastic bags will soon be a thing of the past at Lawrence businesses.
Last August, the Lawrence City Commission passed a ban on the bags after years of debate. Now it will go into effect starting Friday.
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The new ordinance means Lawrence establishments are prohibited from providing single-use disposable bags to customers at the point of sale.
City leaders note there are several alternatives, including:
Reusable bags made of nylon, cotton, polyester or another material.
Plastic bags that are at least 40% post-consumer recycled content and measure at least 4.0 mils in thickness.
Paper bags containing at least 40% post-consumer recycled content.
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The ordinance also sets fines for establishments that violate the ban. After an initial warning, businesses could be fined up to $500 if the don’t follow the plastic bag ban. Customers won’t be fined if they use or receive a plastic bag.
There are some exceptions for certain groups, according to the ordinance:
Religious and charitable institutions, except when engaged in the commercial sale or distribution of perishable or non-perishable items to consumers.
Schools, except when engaged in the commercial sale or distribution of perishable or non-perishable items to consumers.
Not-for-profit organizations, except when engaged in the commercial sale or distribution of perishable or non-perishable items to consumers.
Farmers markets.
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And there are exceptions for certain items:
The sale of live animals, such as fish, insects or the like.
Prescriptions.
Newspapers.
Laundry, dry cleaning or garment bags.
Produce bags or product bags.
Several major cities across the United States — including Boston, Seattle, Chicago and Los Angeles — have implemented similar bans in recent years.
Lawrence’s ban will be the first of its kind in Kansas.
“The switch to reusable bags is one of the easiest every day changes that anyone can make to improve our natural environment,” said Kathy Richardson, Lawrence sustainability director.
“We’re excited that Lawrence is leading the way for our state and can serve as an example of how a change of this magnitude is possible with community partnerships and a commitment to environmental sustainability.”
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Anyone in need of a reusable bag can attend the city’s Bag Bash from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Lawrence Public Library.
At this free event, residents can grab a city-branded reusable bag and/or donate extra reusable bags to the community. Residents can also decorate their own bag for a chance to win a prize.
