Lake County Gazette

The Waukegan City Council Committee of the Whole was prepared to deliberate on the prohibition of mylar balloons, single-use plastic bags, and polystyrene containers commonly used for takeout meals from restaurants. However, time constraints prevented the committee from discussing the issue during their previous meeting.

The committee scheduled this discussion for its Monday, March 4 meeting, a continuation of the February 5 session, as per the Waukegan City Council's March 4 agenda. Alderperson Lynn Florian introduced an ordinance proposing this ban.

According to the same agenda, Florian suggested amendments to the City Code that would include a ban or tax on distributing single-use plastic bags by retailers and restaurants. Additionally, she recommended prohibiting the distribution of expanded polystyrene containers, cups, plates, and bowls by restaurants and food stores.

Florian initially presented these prohibitions during the December 11, 2023 Committee of the Whole discussion. She stated they were crucial for environmental protection as recorded in the Waukegan City Council's March 4 agenda. Alderperson Jose Guzman expressed his concern that a ban or fee on plastic bags or "Styrofoam" could potentially increase prices for consumers. Alderperson Keith Turner questioned the effectiveness of a plastic bag ban given that most grocery store items are already wrapped in plastic. A balloon release ban had been approved by the city council earlier in January.