The anticipation is that 2013 will see renewed interest for Single-Use Bag legislation around the US. Last year only 14 states considered a total of 56 bills for some type of single use bag legislation. This was slightly down compared to previous years. Since 2008, anywhere from 19 to 21 states each year have legislation pending on the issue. The reduction in 2012 may be part explained by the fact that fewer states held legislative sessions, focusing more on budget issues.
However, that did not slow down the trend of local jurisdictions presenting, approving and implementing single-use bag legislation. As we mentioned at the end of last year, California has been most aggressive. However, the third largest city, Los Angeles has not put forward an ordinance for a vote. The City’s Bureau of Sanitation is still compiling an Environment Impact Report (EIR) and will not report back until later in 2013. Local governments outside of California continue to be active.
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.