Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passes landmark ban on single-use plastic bags 10 days before Earth Day

Just in time for Earth Day, Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passed a ban on wasteful single-use plastic bags.  

In doing so, Pittsburgh became the 6th municipality in the commonwealth to pass this kind of policy, joining Philadelphia, West Chester, and others. The ordinance prohibits retailers and restaurants from distributing single-use plastic bags. Paper bags may be distributed for a charge of at least $0.10 per bag, and they must consist of at least 40% recycled post-consumer content. The bill also requires the City to develop a public education and business assistance plan to help with the transition, as well as a plan to distribute reusable bags to Pittsburgh residents. The law will take effect one year after passage. 

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