Plastic bag ordinance is recycled … again
Public hearing on proposed ban set for Sept. 22
BY SHARON LEFF Staff Writer

RED BANK — The proposed ban on plastic bags in the borough of Red Bank went through another round of debate at the Sept. 9 council meeting, as business representatives voiced their objections and council members discussed possible alterations to the proposed ordinance.

Originally introduced by Councilman Michael DuPont about a year ago, the ordinance has gone through multiple changes and has been the topic of conversation among the council members, Red Bank residents and local business owners.

If approved, the ordinance would ban the use of plastic shopping bags, starting in July.

The four Democrats on the council voted for the introduction of the ordinance and the two Republicans voted for the ordinance to be tabled.

"I find this bill to be very restraining to our business in particular, not only from a business perspective but from an environmental perspective," said Philip Scaduto, vice president of administration and marketing of Food Circus Supermarkets, which operates Super Foodtown of Red Bank and nine other supermarkets.

Scaduto said recyclable bags have a second life after their initial use.

"Compostable bags, which really only end up in the ground, they have no second life, no second benefit or anything that can be redeemed back into society, unlike recyclable bags, which have alternative uses," he said.

Scaduto said plastic bags serve other purposes and can be used as garbage bags or to pick up pet waste.

"[Also], you can recycle the bag, and when you recycle the bag, we make other recyclable bags out of that or byproducts of that plastic," he said.

Scaduto said the borough might want to wait and get more information before passing the ordinance.

"I feel like by eliminating the use of a recyclable product, the borough may be taking a step backward in an environmental measure to become greener," he said. He also said reusable bags don't fit people's lifestyles.

"Most people do not really like to use a reusable bag; that's just a reality of the population. More people like to use plastic bags, and by plastic bags I mean recyclable bags," he said.

Rocco D'Antonio, a business development manager at the packaging and paper distribution company PJP, spoke against the ordinance after Scaduto.

"I've seen issues like bag bans or restrictions on packaging, [and they] make it very, very difficult to conduct business and very, very expensive to do business," D'Antonio said.

He advised the council "to look another way in terms of harm to Red Bank."

Menna thanked D'Antonio for his presentation, calling it very informative, and then he and the council quizzed D'Antonio regarding similar bans enacted on the West Coast, as well as price comparisons for plastic bag alternatives.

Councilman James Giannell asked about the possible use of paper bags, and D'Antonio explained that paper bags "are very energy and water intensive and very polluting aside from the fact that it's very costly."

D'Antonio also said in terms of cost effectiveness, reusable bags are the least expensive option for businesses and next would be the conventional plastic bag.

"[The plastic bags] are very inexpensive, easy to make, easy to recycle and very efficient and convenient. Next up would be probably a paper bag without handles," he said.

D'Antonio said effort on behalf of the residents could have a big impact on a greener Red Bank.

"Train your people, your residents. Educate them on the value of using less and recycling more. It'll get you where you want to go," he said.

D'Antonio added that while banning plastic bags looks like a good plan on the surface, "as you start peeling away the layers and you look at what happens if I switch to this bag, what happens if I switch to that product, it doesn't make as much sense if you start looking at details."

DuPont said the alternative to plastic bags is reusable bags. He said if everyone used reusable bags, which are the cheapest option, businesses would likely see a reduction in operating expenses.

He said that in order to protect the environment, the borough couldn't wait for legislation to be passed at the state level.

"If we waited for Trenton to get its house in order, we'd be waiting a long time, and I think our environment deserves more than just waiting for the Legislature," he said. "I think Red Bank has never waited for anything, and this business district has never waited for anyone to get started. Red Bank has always been a leader in many areas, and I think it's time to stand up and say, 'Hey, look, we're doing this not only for the environment but also for the betterment of Red Bank.'"

DuPont said he appreciated all the information presented.

"I think this ordinance needs to be introduced even if it's only for the purpose of discussion and further education. That's what democracy's about. There hasn't been any personal animosity in here," he said.

Councilwoman Sharon Lee said the council needs to act on the ordinance for the sake of the environment, but she would like to see a way to pass it without fines and penalties for businesses.

Nancy Adams, executive director of Red Bank RiverCenter, said the board of directors met prior to the council meeting to discuss the proposed ordinance.

She said business community members "would like to see some recycling containers in the downtown for garbage. If we're going to do a green initiative, then it should be kind of consistent across the board."

A public hearing of the ordinance is scheduled for the next council meeting Monday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Borough Council meetings are held at the municipal building at 90 Monmouth St. Contact Sharon Leff at sleff@gmnews. com.