Philadelphia Bill Proposed $.10 Paper Bag Fee

The Philadelphia City Council is preparing to pass a bill that would impose a 10-cent fee on paper bags for supermarket customers. The bill would strengthen the city's plastic bag ban, which reduced plastic bags but increased paper bag usage.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, however, has yet to decide whether to sign or veto the bill.

According to WHYY Public Media, Philadelphia's current plastic bag ban took effect in 2021. This ban outlawed single-use plastic bags and paper bags made from nonrecycled materials in grocery stores, corner stores, and restaurants.

During the ban's first year, a study commissioned by the city estimated that the ban prevented more than 200 million plastic bags from being used and discarded in the city. However, the study also estimated that the ban practically tripled the percentage of customers who used paper bags.

While paper bags are recyclable and compostable, they also require more energy to manufacture than plastic bags.

The bag fee bill, which a City Council committee heard on Monday, Oct. 20, aims to encourage members of the public to bring their own reusable bags. It would require establishments to charge customers 10 cents per paper bag. The fee would not apply to paper bags used for prepared food takeout, drive-through orders, or deliveries, according to WHYY's report.

“You have to change behavior,” Councilmember Mark Squilla said during Monday's hearing in comments recorded by WHYY. Squilla is the bill's primary sponsor. “Even though it's only 10 cents, it's the mindset that, ‘I'm not giving them 10 cents for a bag. I'm just going to bring my own bag.'”

An original version of Squilla's bill, introduced last month, would have imposed a 15-cent-per-bag fee. Squilla later amended the bill to reduce the required fee.

The bill also explains that the ban applies to thicker single-use plastic bags. It adds an exception for plastic bags used to enclose utensils or condiments.

While Parker's administration supports the “intent of the bill,” her team worries the fee could impact “mom-and-pop businesses” and disproportionately impact low-income Philadelphians, communities of color, seniors, and SNAP food assistance recipients.

The bill is currently supported by 10 co-sponsors and is expected to pass the City Council. If Parker vetoes the bill, the City Council can override it with a 12-vote majority, or it can become law without her signature after 10 days.