Shoppers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are encountering a new fee at checkout counters as the city implements a 10-cent charge for paper bags. This legislation, which took effect this January, was introduced by City Councilman Mark Squilla and approved by the City Council on October 30, 2023, with a vote of 10-5. The measure became law without the signature of Mayor Cherelle Parker, who expressed support for the initiative but raised concerns about its potential impact on low-income residents.
The new fee comes as many American families grapple with rising grocery prices. The paper bag charge is part of a broader effort to reduce single-use plastic waste, following the city’s ban on plastic bags that began in 2021. While the ban has encouraged residents to adopt reusable bags, the introduction of this new fee has sparked apprehension among some shoppers.
Residents have voiced their concerns about the cumulative effect of the fee. For instance, Billy Milhouse told 6 ABC Philadelphia, “If you need more than one bag, like five bags, that’s 50 cents.” Joyce Isley added, “It adds up, especially for someone who’s on a fixed income, no income, students.”
Mayor Parker’s decision to allow the fee to become law was not without hesitation. In a statement, she emphasized the importance of considering the potential consequences for vulnerable populations: “I remain concerned with some of the unintended consequences this legislation could have for our local economy and low-income Philadelphians, especially our communities of color.” She highlighted the need for protections for residents who rely on assistance programs like SNAP and WIC.
Squilla, the architect of both the plastic bag ban and the new paper bag fee, noted that the shift towards paper bags has led to increased usage across the city. He stated, “We saw in the past, once there’s a fee associated with it, even if it’s 10 cents, it’s enough to make people remember to bring their own bag.” The aim is to encourage sustainable shopping habits, while also addressing the environmental impact of paper bag production.
The legislation specifies that the paper bag fee is applicable only to retail establishments and does not extend to deliveries, drive-thrus, or takeout orders. Importantly, the funds collected will remain with the retailers and will not be directed to the city.
Residents are actively discussing the implications of this new fee on platforms like the Philadelphia subreddit. One user expressed confusion over the allocation of the funds, stating, “It’s insane the city is not even getting any money from this, the stores get to keep the 10 cents.” Another user noted the need for stricter regulations on plastic bags, emphasizing their lack of reuse.
As Philadelphia navigates this transition, it remains to be seen how the paper bag fee will affect shopping behaviors and whether it will indeed foster a more environmentally conscious community. The ongoing dialogue among residents suggests a keen awareness of the balance between environmental initiatives and economic realities.