The city of Beaufort is proposing to ban the usage of single-use plastic bags and other single use plastics in order to protect the local environment. The items considered to be banned are grocery bags, with recommendations being made on the future limiting of straws and restaurant utensils that are used once and then discarded.
Effective November 1, 2018, Beaufort County implemented a ban on single use thin plastic bags and local stores started using thicker, reusable, plastic bags instead. The purpose of the ban 8 years ago was to encourage reusable bags and limit litter.
But, since then, many locals argue that the thicker plastic bags are still being discarded and have ended up in our local marshes and waterways, threatening wildlife.
Beaufort County is now looking at passing amendments to the original regulations, and last week, the city of Beaufort became the first to pass amendments on a first reading. A second vote by city council is needed to make them final.
Under the new rules, all plastic bags would be banned and stores must provide customers with the option of a reusable bag. But this time, the rules carry a definition that says reusable carry-out bags must be cloth with handles that are stitched.
Other disposable products that are mentioned in the city of Beaufort’s rule changes include businesses providing single use plastic “to-go” cups and also food trays made of polystyrene.
“No business establishment conducting business within the city limits may provide plastic carry-out bags or EDF disposable food service ware to its customers,” the regulations say. “All business establishments conducting business shall provide or make available to a customer in the city of Beaufort reusable carry-out bags or recyclable papers bags.”
While plastic straws and eating utensils would not be banned outright, local restaurants would only need to provide them if requested by customers.
The ordinance needs one more vote to pass, and would be implemented over an eight month period.
Beaufort County Council recently conducted a survey asking residents about their support for a complete ban on five very common single use plastic items: thick plastic bags, plastic utensils, foam containers, plastic straws, and foam cups.
More respondents favored banning all of them, than did not.
As far as penalties are concerned, any business that does not comply with the provisions after a written warning would be fined $100 and face a $200 penalty for a second infraction within a 12-month period. Each additional violation within the 12 months would be $500. Repeated violations could result in a business licenses being revoked.
