Tagged: Plastic Bag Ban

Though Austin’s ban on plastic bags took effect March 1, the conversation about how consumers are coping is still going strong.

Austinites have been sounding off on social media about the benefits and inconveniences of banning plastic bags. One particularly in-depth conflict has erupted on an Austin Reddit thread, asking “How has Austin’s bag ban affected you?”

Just over a month into Austin’s disposable bag ban and city retailers are still in compliance with the ordinance.

Austin Resource Recovery Center administers the program and helps businesses comply with the law. Spokesperson Courtney Black said most businesses are complying, but there have been hold-outs.

Update: Here’s some additional bills that meet the Austin City Council’s definition of “Austin bashing” – legislation that would defang local policies.

• HB 1858, Rep. Paul Workman (R-Austin)

The bill would ban cities from restricting the removal of trees if a developer or land owner deems the tree to be a fire hazard. Opponents worry the bill provides a work-around the city’s Heritage Tree Ordinance, and point to an additional piece of Workman legislation, HB 3087, as creating additional development loopholes for removing trees.

Five days into the Austin bag ban, a Texas lawmaker has filed a bill that would allow stores and shoppers to use whatever kind of bags they want.

First-term State Rep. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, calls his bill the Shopping Bag Freedom Act, which he says would stop what he calls “the overreach of big government.”

Update: Austin appears to have survived its first weekend without single-use plastic bags. But, judging from Twitter, many are still getting used to the change. 

Apparently there are still people in ATX who don't know about the bag ban. Lots of people carrying out groceries minus any bag.

— Pam Vaught (@psvaught) March 2, 2013