Elgin Puts the Brakes on Plastic Bag Ban

The Elgin City Council has hit the pause button on a proposed ban on single-use plastic bags, citing a need for more input from local retailers. The move comes after a survey showed that 57% of residents are opposed to the ban.

A Divided Community

Proponents of the ban argue that it’s necessary to reduce litter and protect the environment, while opponents claim it would hurt local businesses and drive shoppers to nearby communities. Mike Warren, a longtime business owner, says the ban would put Elgin at an economic disadvantage, while Cheryl Brumbaugh Hayford, who works with local environmental groups, contends that the city can’t wait for statewide action and must take matters into its own hands.

Under the proposed ordinance, certain retailers would be required to charge customers 10 cents for each recycled paper bag needed for their purchases. Restaurants, convenience stores, and small retailers would be exempt, as would people on government assistance programs.

A Wait-and-See Approach

The council will revisit the issue on February 25, giving retailers more time to weigh in. It’s possible that the city could decide to wait for the state to act on its own proposed ban, which is currently stalled in committee. If the ordinance is adopted, implementation wouldn’t happen until 2027.