Philadelphia to implement 10-cent fee on paper bags for shoppers.

Philadelphia has officially enacted a new law imposing a fee of 10 cents on paper bags, following Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s decision to allow the legislation to become law without her signature. The bill, championed by City Councilmember Mark Squilla, was approved by the City Council in a close 10-5 vote and will take effect in January.

The initiative is part of a broader environmental strategy aimed at reducing single-use paper and plastic bags in the city. Squilla, who represents several neighborhoods including parts of South Philadelphia and Center City, previously spearheaded the city’s ban on plastic bags, which took effect in 2021. After the ban was implemented, there was a noted increase in the use of paper bags, leading to a renewed effort to promote the use of reusable bags and reduce the associated environmental impact.

The Mayor’s administration had expressed reservations regarding the fee, arguing that it could disproportionately burden low-income residents facing rising grocery costs. Carlton Williams, the director of Parker’s Office of Clean and Green Initiatives, voiced concerns that the fee might exacerbate financial strain on vulnerable populations. Despite these objections, the Council voted to advance the bill, raising speculation about whether Parker would consider vetoing it—a move she has yet to take during her tenure.

In the wake of the Council’s approval, Parker ultimately chose not to veto the measure. It is believed that Squilla had secured sufficient support to override any potential veto, which would necessitate a two-thirds majority from the Council. Under the new regulations, local business owners will retain the revenue generated from the bag fees instead of turning the proceeds over to the city.

Squilla emphasized that the primary goal of the legislation is to encourage users to bring their own bags rather than simply imposing a fee for convenience. He articulated that transforming consumer behavior is a crucial part of the initiative.

While the bill progresses, it marks a significant step in Philadelphia’s ongoing efforts to tackle environmental concerns associated with single-use bags, striving to foster sustainable practices among residents and businesses alike. The implications of this law will likely be monitored closely as it approaches its implementation date, with an eye on both environmental impacts and socioeconomic effects across the city.

The local government has not yet provided detailed information on the anticipated outcomes, but the law stands as a pivotal move in Philadelphia’s ongoing environmental strategy.