Bangor Officials Looking Into Possible Ban On Plastic Shopping Bags

Bangor officials are researching a possible ban or fee on plastic shopping bags in the city.

According to the Bangor Daily News, Jay Dresser, a Bangor resident and former member of the city’s recycling committee, brought the idea to Bangor's Infrastructure Committee Monday night.

Dresser wants the city to ban the sale and distribution of plastic shopping bags and Styrofoam containers.

Bangor officials plan to reach out to several Maine communities that have instituted bans or fees on plastic shopping bags. After getting some feedback, the city could propose its own ordinance.

In November, voters in York approved the state's first townwide ban on disposable plastic bags, which took effect in March. Last month, Freeport voters approved a similar ban that will go into effect in September.

Officials in Portland, South Portland and Falmouth have all voted to establish a 5-cent fee for every plastic bag that shoppers take home from the store.