Jenkintown Bans Single-Use Plastic Bags

Effective July 23, the borough of Jenkintown will ban single-use plastic bags and other plastic items in retail establishments.

The Jenkintown Borough Council approved Ordinance No. 2026-2, Single Use Plastic Regulations, on March 25, with assistance from the Jenkintown Environmental Advisory Committee. This ordinance also regulates single-use plastics, including bags, straws, and stirrers, effective July 23.

Exemptions will be granted for SNAP, WIC, and TANF, and potential waivers will be available for online orders.

Once Jenkintown's ban takes effect, retail establishments will no longer be allowed to offer single-use plastic bags to customers. Customers will need to use their own bags or purchase recycled paper bags or reusable bags for a minimum 10-cent fee. The bag fee proceeds will stay with the retailer.

In addition, retail establishments will only provide customers with compostable straws and stirrers. Single-use plastic straws will still be available upon customer request.

According to a Patch of Abington report, signage about the changes must be displayed from April 22 through at least Sept. 23. Additionally, the Jenkintown Environmental Advisory Committee has created an information tool kit to help businesses understand the changes in the law, including a summary of exemptions, frequently asked questions, and enforcement details. Written notices will address initial noncompliance.

Hardship exemptions of up to one year may be granted for businesses that recently purchased single-use bags by contacting the borough manager.

According to the Patch, Jenkintown becomes the latest Montgomery County community to ban single-use plastic bags, which includes Abington, Ambler, Cheltenham, Lower Merion, Montgomery Township, Narbeth, Upper Dublin Township, Upper Merion, and West Norriton.