CHICAGO: The Chicago bag tax, originally approved to begin Jan. 1, 2017 has been delayed to FEBRUARY 1, 2017 to allow retailers time to implement. There will be a checkout tax of 7 cents per bag added at all Chicago retailers – 5 cents of which will go to the city, and retailers retain 2-cents.
MICHIGAN: On December 27, 2016, Senate Bill 853 to ban local governments from banning plastic bags and other disposable containers is now Michigan law. It was signed by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. The law bans municipalities from regulating, prohibiting or adding fees to the use or sale of “auxiliary containers” – reusable or single-use bags, cups, bottles or other packaging from stores and restaurants. Washtenaw County in Michigan had recently voted to approve a 10-cent fee on disposable grocery bags and was expected to begin enforcing it in April of 2017, but the SB853 law pre-empts local ordinances. Sen. Jim Stamas introduced the bill, feeling that the law would “create consistency, especially for businesses that operate branches across the state and would have to abide by multiple regulations.” Other state lawmakers feel the bill “attacks local control,” and that local bag laws would help to clear up litter. Michigan joins Wisconsin, Arizonian, Idaho and Indiana that have similar laws.
Make sure to keep checking our website for updates on single use bag legislation that is pending or being implemented. Our retail packaging specialists stay on top of the ever changing market conditions. Let us help you navigate bag legislation in the municipalities you sell into and select the best packaging for your stores. We hope that you will contact us by phone at 888-429-5673 or via email at baglaws@swalter.com.
