Single-use bags banned in Chestertown

CHESTERTOWN — After an interruption during the Covid-19 lockdowns and policies, the one-use plastic bag ban is once again in effect in Chestertown.

Ordinance 04-2024 repeals and re-enacts Chapter 133, Plastic Bag Reduction, of the Town Code for the purpose of updating the restrictions of the use and supply of plastic bags at retail establishments. The ordinance has a history in Chestertown, dating back to 2011.

On Monday, Mayor David Foster and the Town Council passed it unanimously. Before they voted, there was a public hearing. No one spoke, for or against. Foster said the voting was postponed at the last meeting until council member Meghan Efland, who sponsored the ordinance, could be present.

Efland said during Covid-19, there were supply chain issues so putting a pause in the ordinance at the time was a necessary step. During an August meeting last year, she told the council she was inspired by Centreville enacting their own plastic bag policy. Centreville, she noted, has some of the same retail stores as Chestertown and so she desired the town to follow their pattern.

After eight months, Efland is finally seeing the results of her efforts.

The council was in full support of the ordinance. The only question raised was how they are going to get the message out to retailers.

Jenny Lee Freebery, chair of the Chestertown Environmental Committee, who also supports the ordinance, said the use of creative signage using Chestertown’s culture and history could help spread the word.

She suggested putting up signs saying things like “Chestertown doesn’t support single-use plastic bags.”

And for people who see paying ten cents to purchase a bag at Redner’s every shopping trip is not feasible, the committee will be passing out free reusable bags during Earth Day, Saturday, at Fountain Park starting at 1 p.m.

Council member Tim O’Brien asked if the retailers would have a grace period to make the transition to the appropriate bags.

There will be 25 days before the policy takes effect, Efland remarked and there was also discussion among the mayor and council about allowing some more leniency there.

The town says they are enacting it to be environmentally-conscious as well as economically sound.

The ordinance states, “The Town Council finds that single-use plastic carryout bags generate significant public costs for landfill disposal waterway contamination and litter disposal, as well as contribute to negative environmental impacts.”

“The Town may properly exercise its police powers in the regulation of plastic bags to prevent or reduce the negative consequences of the use and supply of such bags from retail establishment.”

“Any retail establishment found in violation of this Chapter shall be guilty of a civil infraction subject to a fine.”