Council recycles plastic bag ban
Ordinance now aims at recycling of bags
BY SHARON LEFF Staff Writer

Although an outright ban on plastic bags in Red Bank was not successful, the governing body may adopt a plastic bag recycling ordinance at the next council meeting.

A first reading of the proposed ordinance was held, and after some editing suggestions, the measure gained full support of the Borough Council at its Dec. 8 meeting.

Councilman Michael DuPont has worked for the past year to have plastic bags banned in the borough as a move that would benefit the environment.

At the Nov. 10 meeting, the council voted against the ban, citing the difficult economic climate and the desire not to burden local businesses with any additional costs.

DuPont said the newly proposed ordinance does not include banning plastic bags but instead focuses on recycling them.

"There are various steps or promotions within the ordinance to promote recycling education and the protection of the environment," he said. "I think what the mayor and council say on this is, they do believe the environment is a priority, that we need to promote education and recycling, and that going 'green' is good for Red Bank, but they did not want to ban plastic bags at this point in time."

He said that through this effort an eventual ban could take place naturally.

At previous meetings, business owners and plastic bag lobbyists spoke against the proposed ban, citing the higher cost associated with reusable bags.

"I think what you're going to see is more and more reusable bags, more environmental bags. … I think through education and recycling over the course of time, you should see the elimination of plastic bags because of lack of use and people wanting to take the steps to protect our environment," he said.

DuPont said he anticipates the ordinance will be approved at the public hearing and final adoption scheduled for Dec. 22.

"I think everyone is happy with the ordinance and happy with the discussion," he said. "I just think there's a number of 'green' initiatives that are going to be taken up, and this is the first and foremost."

DuPont said the borough already recycles cans and glass.

He said students at the Red Bank Charter School as well as at the public schools are exposed to curriculum on this issue.

"I think that it's a start and I think that as a result of this discussion people now understand the importance of protecting our environment," he said.

The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 22 at 90 Monmouth St.