University of Alabama students propose 5¢ city tax on single-use plastic bags to fund environmental programs

A group of University of Alabama Honors College students urged the Tuscaloosa City Council on April 21 to consider a 5¢ tax on single-use plastic bags inside city limits to reduce litter and generate revenue for local environmental programs.

"A small tax that can be used as a nudge can work to influence consumer choices," said a student presenter, describing the proposal as a Pigovian tax that would discourage use of disposable bags and create a revenue stream the city could allocate to parks, community organizations and river protection groups.

The students said they collected more than 150 petition signatures in about a week and presented data including national estimates on single-use bag consumption. They told the council that Americans use more than 100,000,000,000 single-use plastic bags a year and argued that those bags are nonrecyclable in Tuscaloosa’s current system. The presenters recommended that revenue from a 5¢ bag tax could support city parks and groups such as Black Warrior Riverkeeper.

Council members thanked the students for their organization and professional presentation and encouraged more early-stage engagement with the community. Mayor Walt Maddox and at least one council member said they were impressed by the students’ energy but suggested further outreach to neighborhoods before the council would consider drafting an ordinance.

The students identified their class as Foundations of Community Engagement in the University of Alabama Honors College and named Dr. Christopher Bishop as their professor. The group said they would welcome further conversation with the council and return with additional community input.

Ending: Council members did not introduce a tax ordinance at the meeting; they invited the student group to continue community engagement and return with broader feedback before city staff or council pursue legislative steps.