SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The City of Aspen has been among the frontrunners in implementing the state wide ban on plastic carryout bags.

The City had banned distribution of single-use plastic carryout bags at the two grocery stores in town in 2011. Alongside, it imposed a 20-cent fee on paper bags. The plastic ban went into effect in May 2012. The restrictions have led to elimination of 2.7 million plastic bags from being distributed in Aspen since 2012, a staff memo stated.

ALSO READ:

Alpena County to Draft and Develop New Recycling Plan

Trex Co. Transforms Recycled Plastic Bags into Park Benches

The broader application of the plastic bag ban as part of the state wide ban that came into effect yesterday will make it applicable to approximately 80additional businesses in Aspen. This will lead to significant reduction in distribution and consumption of single-use plastic bags, which have emerged as one of the worst polluters of the environment.

The ban will provide further boost to the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce the overall waste by 70% by 2050.

The fee on paper bags has been utilized to fund the City’s recycling and waste reduction efforts. With effect from yesterday, the city will keep 16 cents out of the 20 cents collected on paper bags, whereas the retailers will be allowed to keep the remaining 4 cents. At 16 cents per bag, the City expects a collection of around $55,400. Increased sales would contribute more to the Waste Reduction Fee fund.