R.B. goes ‘green’ on plastic bags

Council mandates recycling plastic bags

BY SHARON LEFF Staff Writer

RED BANK RED BANK RED BANK — The long-running debate over banning plastic bags in the borough is over.A

new ordinance calls for all stores that offer plastic checkout bags to provide suitable containers or bins for customers to return the plastic bags for recycling.

The Department of Public Works will make provisions for the collection of plastic checkout bags at the borough’s recycling center.

At the Dec. 22 council meeting, the governing body unanimously approved a plastic bag recycling ordinance sponsored by Councilman Michael DuPont. The ordinance has been a topic of debate for about a year.

Initially the ordinance called for a complete ban of plastic bags in the borough, but some businesses objected that eliminating the bags would hurt them financially for reasons including that reusable bags are costlier.

In addition, lobbyists spoke this past year at council meetings advocating for the continued use of plastic bags.

“Fantastic; it’s over,” Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna quipped after the vote went through.

The ordinance states first-time violators of the recycling law will be subject to a $100 fine. Second violations within the same year will lead to a $200 fine and third violations in the same year will lead to a $500 fine.

In an interview after the council meeting, DuPont said he was expecting the ordinance would finally go through without difficulty.

“We had worked out the wording and I think people were excited about it and I think they realize it’s best for Red Bank and also best for the environment,” he said.

Councilwoman Mary Grace Cangemi, who had opposed aspects of the ordinance at previous meetings, made the motion to adopt the new version. DuPont seconded the motion.

During the roll call, Councilman James Giannell said, “Merry Christmas, Councilman DuPont. Yes.”

“There is a Santa. Yes,” Councilwoman Sharon Lee said.

In an interview after the meeting DuPont said it was interesting to see that the council

vote was 5-1 against the ordinance at a previous meeting but then 6-0 in favor at last week’s meeting.

He said it demonstrates what can be accomplished through cooperation, and he hopes to see more of that in the future.

“It took a long time to get where we’re at. We’re not done

yet with the environmental

movement, and I think Red Bank

needs to protect its natural resources, and I’m hoping other initiativeswon’t take as long. It’s taken us almost a good year [to pass this one],” he said.

DuPont said he “was excited and very proud of the mayor and council to act in uniformity for something that’s good for Red Bank.”

The ordinance will go into effect June 1, 2009.

DuPont said once it takes effect residents will see recycling containers throughout the business community and additional signs alerting customers that stores take back plastic bags.

In addition he said students in the borough would be educated on the importance of recycling.