Lake County Gazette

Alderperson Lynn Florian has proposed a ban or tax on single-use plastic bags, and the prohibition of Styrofoam containers and cups by retailers, restaurants, and food stores in Waukegan. The proposal was set to be discussed by the Waukegan Special Committee of the Whole on Monday.

According to the report attached to the Special Committee of the Whole meeting agenda for Dec. 11, Waukegan's existing code does not regulate these items. Florian suggested that the city should ban or tax single-use plastic bags distributed by retailers and restaurants.

The report also indicated that Florian's proposal would prohibit the distribution of expanded polystyrene containers, plates, bowls, and cups by restaurants and food stores. In addition to this, she proposed a ban on the sale of mylar balloons and the release of helium balloons.

The same report noted that some communities have already implemented taxes or fees on the distribution of single-use bags. These include Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, and North Brook. The fees in these areas range from 7 to 10 cents per bag. Exemptions or exceptions are made for reusable bags, bags used to hold prescription drugs, and bags sold for initial use for yard waste, pet waste, garbage, dry cleaning or newspapers.