HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDN 2019-10-15 Item 2 - Discussion - Carryout Bag Ordinance Outreach PlanTO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
Community Development & Neighborhoods Committee
Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst
October 9, 2019
Carryout Bag Legislation Outreach Update
DISCUSSION
To encourage the use of reusable carryout bags, the City Council has requested the
preparation of legislation that would regulate the use of bags at retail stores.
Single -use plastics cause significant problems for our community, including harm to rivers
and wildlife, clogging and contamination in recycling facilities, litter on roads and in
waterways, and more. Paper bags are an improvement because they are recyclable and
made from a renewable resource, but they still require resources and fuel to manufacture and
transport.
The proposed legislation is scheduled for Public Safety Committee on November 12, 2019 and
is similar to regulations in other Washington cities. Under the proposal:
• All Tukwila retail stores would be prohibited from providing customers with single -use
plastic carryout bags, including those advertised as compostable, biodegradable,
photodegradable or similar.
• Retail stores in Tukwila could provide customers with any size recyclable paper or
reusable carryout bags, however stores must charge a small pass -through fee for
paper bags of 1/8 barrel (882 cubic inches) or larger containing at least 40% post -
consumer recycled fiber. These are typical grocery bags with a flat bottom.
• Retail stores could provide smaller paper bags for a fee or no cost at their discretion.
• Retail stores could provide reusable plastic bags (2.25 mil or thicker) for a fee or no
cost at their discretion.
• If the City Council adopts this legislation, the City Council would pick an effective date
6-12 months out to allow retailers and customers time to prepare.
The City Council will hold a Public Hearing on November 12, 2019 at the Committee of the
Whole meeting. To provide notice and invite public comment, staff plans the following:
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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Bag Ordinance Outreach Plan (Pre -Passage)
Objective
Provide Tukwila's residents and impacted businesses notice that the City Council is
considering an ordinance to regulate carryout bags in retail establishments (plastic bag ban)
and invite public comment, targeting 11/12 COW for a Public Hearing.
Overall Key Messages:
• To promote the use of reusable bags at stores in the City of Tukwila, the Council is
considering legislation that would ban stores from distributing plastic bags and
charge a pass -through fee for paper bags.
• Single use plastic bags can block storm drains, litter the streets, pollute waterways,
clog recycling machines, contaminate compost, threaten wildlife, and more.
• Paper bags are also not desirable because they require significant resources to make,
transport, and recycle or dispose of.
• Reusable bags are convenient and widely available; many neighboring jurisdictions
have similar regulations throughout the region.
• The City commits to working with businesses and providing communication
assistance to educate customers.
Strategies:
Presentation - PowerPoint presentation that includes information on the proposal for use at
Committee, ESJ, LTAC, Council, website, and TukTV.
Fact Sheet/FAQ - One -page fact sheet with a FAQ that clearly describes proposal and its
impacts.
Business Outreach - Outreach will include the Chamber, leveraging their communication
resources (social media, distribution lists, etc.,) professional associations, a mailer to
impacted businesses and more in partnership with Econ Dev staff. Offer translated materials
where applicable.
E-Hazelnut - article in October [-Hazelnut
City website, Twitter & Facebook page - short graphical notices. Leverage Tukwila PD and
other key partners' (Westfield, etc.) social media platforms as well.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee - October 22 meeting agenda
Equity & Social Justice Commission - November 7 meeting agenda
Public Hearing - City Council meeting November 12
RECOMMENDATION
This memo is to update the Committee on staff's efforts. If the City Council adopts the
carryout bag regulations, an outreach plan focusing on education will be developed for
implementation in 2020.
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