Baltimore City Considers Banning Plastic Bags Altogether

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Paper, not plastic. The Baltimore City Council is on the verge of banning plastic bags in stores---but there's some doubt about whether it will really happen.

Christie Ileto has more.

It's the bag of choice for shoppers at Bi-Rite but plastic bags could soon be a thing of the past. City Councilors Monday are making moves to outlaw disposable bags at city retailers like grocery stores and encourage use of reusable bags.

"Plastic sure does litter the whole area up. You see them everywhere," said Matt Sudona. "I agree with it. I think it's a good idea.

Advocates say the idea is to reduce litter and initially the city council was considering a bag surcharge on plastic bags but it wasn't sitting well with residents.

"Our concerns, efforts, have not been about the money; they have been about the bags," said Councilmember Jim Kraft.

Online petitions calling to bag the ban are gaining support.

"I think they should keep the plastic," said Javonne Thomas.

For Thomas, it's about convenience.

"I put them in my car and use them again when I go to the store," Thomas said.

"The cost of using paper bags is so dramatically more expensive than paper bags. That cost to my client and other grocery stores in the city can't be absorbed," said Bruce Bereano. "It's gotta be passed on."

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake vows to veto the bill when it comes across her desk.

"There's too much up in the air for it to be rushed through," she said.

For now, they're the cheaper, more popular option---until councilors make their final vote.

The mayor is also threatening to veto the bill.

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