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Council debates single-use plastic bag regulation but takes no vote
Summary
Councilors discussed a proposed ordinance to regulate single-use plastic carryout bags, with several members opposing a ban in a small borough and business owners expressing concern about costs; the item remained a discussion with no vote or referral to ordinance advertising.
The Borough of New Freedom council held a discussion on a proposed ordinance that would add a new chapter regulating single-use plastic carryout bags, including findings, definitions, requirements, exemptions and penalties. Several council members said they do not see single-use bags as a problem in New Freedom and expressed concern about the burden on small businesses if paper bags or fees were required.
One council member said local businesses surveyed reported using more paper than plastic and that a plastic-bag ban could force small retailers to absorb new costs or pass them to customers. Others raised objections on principle, saying they oppose municipal restrictions on everyday consumer choices in a small borough. A councilor suggested exemptions for commercial establishments and the possibility of a hardship or variance process, while another said the borough’s priority should remain roads, water, sewer and emergency services.
The item remained a discussion only and the council did not move to advertise an ordinance or take a vote. Council members said they would not table the matter formally and that those who had researched the issue could share findings; one member said she would set aside her research.
