TELL US: Do You Support a Fee in Newton for Single-Use Shopping Bags?

Following the example of Washington, D.C., and more recently, Boulder, CO, Newton officials are considering a fee for certain single-use shopping bags. 

The docket item -- proposed by Aldermen Ted Hess-Mahan, Amy Sangiolo, Vicki Danberg, David Kalis and Deb Crossley -- would create an ordinance that charges customers a fee for single-use plastic and paper bags that are not made of at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled material.

The fee aims to reduce the amount of pollution and improper disposal of bags that can adversely affect the environment and wildlife, according to meeting minutes from the Programs & Services Committee.

Those minutes also indicate that the fee would be five or ten cents per bag, and the money raised would go toward mitigating the problems the bags cause.

The item is in the early stages of discussion and is currently sitting in the board's Programs & Services Committee. It was initially presented before that committee on Oct. 3 where aldermen agreed the public should have a chance to comment before it moves forward.

Residents and business owners of Newton will have a chance to voice their opinion during the Programs & Services Committee this Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 7:45 p.m. in room 222 at Newton City Hall.

The bag fee ordinance would have to go through both the Programs & Services and Finance committees before going before the full Board of Aldermen for a final vote.

What do you think about a possible fee on single-use shopping bags? Do you support it? How would you tweak the language? How much would you charge? Share your ideas in the comments section below.