The goal of this ordinance is to accelerate the transition away from single-use plastics towards sturdy reusable options. 

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First, it prohibits all retail establishments within Mt. Lebanon from providing single-use plastic bags to customers at any point of sale, including for in-store purchases, takeout, and delivery services. This prohibition extends to all forms of thin-film plastic bags, including those labeled as "biodegradable" or "compostable." This would eliminate 10.5 million bags a year from our area. 

 

Second, the ordinance mandates that retail establishments must charge a fee of no less than fifteen cents ($0.15) for each recycled paper bag they provide to a customer. The intent of the fee is to provide an incentive for reusable bags and to offset the cost to business owners of upgrading to paper bags.  This fee is waived for customers making purchases with government food assistance benefits.  This fee is higher than the City of Pittsburgh to account inflation and better reflect the current cost of paper bags. 

 

Additionally, this ordinance prohibits expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, also known as Styrofoam, from being used for food containers at retail establishments. EPS foam does not biodegrade; instead, it breaks down into smaller plastic particles, or microplastics. These microplastics persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contaminating soil and water. Due to its lightweight nature, EPS is easily carried by wind and water, becoming a prominent and unsightly component of litter in our parks, streets, and waterways.  EPS foam also contains styrene, a known carcinogen. 

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This ordinance addresses the urgent need to protect the health and integrity of Mt. Lebanon's local and regional waterways. Scientific research has documented the pervasive contamination of Pennsylvania's rivers and streams with microplastics, a direct result of the breakdown of single-use plastic items like carryout bags. Litter originating in Mt. Lebanon enters local water systems, including Painters Run and the Saw Mill Run watershed, which are direct tributaries to the Chartiers Creek and Ohio River basins. This ordinance, therefore, represents a direct and tangible measure to mitigate a significant source of pollution at its origin, fulfilling our stewardship responsibilities.