To Ban or Not to Ban? Plastic Bags in Question

The board of directors for the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority—a joint powers agency created by the state to help decrease the amount of material going to landfill—will look at banning single-use plastic bags at its Thursday (July 14) meeting.

The potential ban would affect Hercules, Pinole, El Cerrito, Richmond and San Pablo. The Pinole City Council discussed a possible ban at a . In December, San Jose became the largest  Bay Area city to forbid the bags. Stores there will be required to charge customers 10 cents per paper bag beginning in 2012.

Lawsuits are pending in some cities that have imposed a ban.

Hercules Patch will update readers on any action the joint powers agency takes towards putting an end to single-use plastic bags in Hercules.

In the meantime, share you thoughts on the proposed ban. Will you support it, protest it or simply not care about it? How do you think eliminating the bags will make a difference in your community?

**West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority board of directors will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at San Pablo City Hall, 1 Alvara do Square (13831 San Pablo Ave.), San Pablo. Hercules’ representative is Vice Mayor John Delgado. The meeting is open to the public.