Single Use Plastic Regulations
Bexley’s Single-Use Plastic Ordinance was initiated by citizens and crafted in cooperation with Bexley’s businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee. The City views this as a small but resolute step to address the flow of biohazardous pollution. Below are some facts you should know as well as frequently asked questions.
The single-use plastic bag provision takes effect on January 1, 2021, preventing local businesses from distributing single-use plastic bags in certain instances.
• Single-use plastic bags are still allowed for produce, meat, and certain other situations, such as dry-cleaning bags. The ban applies in the majority of situations where a retailer is selling a product and providing a bag for carrying the product out of the store.
• Residents may bring any type of bag (plastic, paper, canvas) to use in any Bexley store they wish with no fees or restrictions.
City Events, beginning January 1, 2020
• No non-recyclable or non-compostable plastic or styrofoam containers, plastic cutlery, drink stirrers and stoppers, or plastic straws may be distributed.
• Plastic straws may be made available upon request.
Restaurants and retailers, beginning January 1, 2022
• No non-recyclable or non-compostable plastic or styrofoam containers, plastic cutlery, drink stirrers and stoppers, or plastic straws may be distributed.
• Plastic straws may be made available upon request.
• Stores may continue to sell single-use plastic and Styrofoam containers, cutlery, etc, in bulk for private use.
Special exemptions to this rule include
• Food trucks and mobile vendors are not affected by this ordinance while in Bexley.
• Individuals who are booking restaurants or facilities for short term use (i.e. receptions, etc.)
Will the Giant Eagle Market District or CVS, etc. still sell plastic bags, plastic silverware, styrofoam, and plastic cups for home-use?
Yes. You can still purchase all of these items and use them yourself. There aren’t any restrictions on what you can buy or use.
Are plastic cups restricted as well?
No, plastic cups are not restricted as part of the law.
What about people with disabilities that require a plastic straw?
Plastic straws are still available upon request.
So, will the grocery store stick my meat and fruit in with all of my other groceries?
No. You will not have to worry about cross contamination. There is an exclusion for plastic used for meat and fruits/vegetables.
Will I be forced to pay extra for bags when I shop now?
No.
How will businesses find suitable compostable materials to use? Will this cost more?
The City of Bexley is required to comply with this portion of the ordinance a year before local businesses are required to do so. As a result, the City is already sourcing suitable, cost-effective compostable materials and suppliers. The City intends to continue its supportive relationship with local businesses and assist them in making this transition. Options are being explored to create a cooperative to assist with bulk purchasing of materials.
Are there businesses in Bexley today that comply with this law already?
Many Bexley businesses have taken proactive steps to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. We are aware of several restaurants in particular that are already substantially in compliance with provisions that don’t even begin until 2021 under the law.
Aren’t paper bags worse for the environment than single-use plastic bags?
The ordinance specifies the provision of recycled content paper bags, which negates concerns of deforestation. It is also worth noting that, while recycled content paper bags may use more energy to produce than single-use plastic bags, many people consider more than energy when factoring the positive impact of this change including lessening the ill effects of micro-plastics in the natural environment, oceans, and food stream.