Despite Mayor Cherelle Parker's vocal reservations, Philadelphia City Council has effectively imposed a 10-cent fee on paper bags, paving the way for the law to take effect without her signature. The measure, which was championed by Councilmember Mark Squilla, is designed to curb single-use plastic bag usage in retail establishments – with an exception for deliveries, drive-thrus, and takeout orders.
Under the plan, stores would retain the fee revenue, rather than passing it on to customers. While Parker expressed concerns about the bill's potential impact on low-income residents and communities of color, Squilla maintains that the legislation aims to encourage more people to bring their own bags, with reusable tote bags often provided for free at community events.
The council initially approved the measure in October, but Parker returned it unsigned, rendering it law without her consent. Councilmembers voted 10-5 on the bill, although two abstained due to absence. Squilla has acknowledged that the bill's implementation timeline could be adjusted to accommodate concerns from the administration and lawmakers.
In contrast to a previous plastic bag ban in 2019, which didn't go into effect until 2021, this legislation would come into force six months after approval – although Squilla is willing to work with Parker on extending the implementation period. The City Council initially approved a bill banning plastic bags in 2019, but its effectiveness was limited by the lack of public support and pushback from local businesses.
Some lawmakers who opposed the bill cited concerns about the bill's timing, particularly during the freeze on Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Benefits (SNAP), which has placed a strain on low-income consumers. The mayor had opted not to sign the legislation or veto it outright, leaving it open to implementation as law.
Under the plan, stores would retain the fee revenue, rather than passing it on to customers. While Parker expressed concerns about the bill's potential impact on low-income residents and communities of color, Squilla maintains that the legislation aims to encourage more people to bring their own bags, with reusable tote bags often provided for free at community events.
The council initially approved the measure in October, but Parker returned it unsigned, rendering it law without her consent. Councilmembers voted 10-5 on the bill, although two abstained due to absence. Squilla has acknowledged that the bill's implementation timeline could be adjusted to accommodate concerns from the administration and lawmakers.
In contrast to a previous plastic bag ban in 2019, which didn't go into effect until 2021, this legislation would come into force six months after approval – although Squilla is willing to work with Parker on extending the implementation period. The City Council initially approved a bill banning plastic bags in 2019, but its effectiveness was limited by the lack of public support and pushback from local businesses.
Some lawmakers who opposed the bill cited concerns about the bill's timing, particularly during the freeze on Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Benefits (SNAP), which has placed a strain on low-income consumers. The mayor had opted not to sign the legislation or veto it outright, leaving it open to implementation as law.
but gotta say, I'm still a bit skeptical about how it's gonna play out. I mean, Councilmember Squilla is all like "it'll encourage people to bring their own bags" 
and that sounds reasonable, but what about the low-income folks who can't exactly afford reusable tote bags? I get that the city might be trying to reduce single-use plastic bag usage, but it feels a bit convenient for them to just collect the fee revenue without passing it on to customers. And what's with the exception for deliveries and stuff? It seems like they're just cherry-picking which rules apply. Anyway, I guess time will tell if this law actually makes a difference 
. But we gotta keep pushing for more inclusive solutions 
. Maybe a voucher program or something? Anything to ensure that this fee doesn't disproportionately hit already marginalized communities 
. Still, it's a step in the right direction, and I'm all about taking small wins 
!
. Like, I get it, reducing plastic usage is important and all that jazz... but do they have to make us pay for it too?! 
. And what's with the exception for deliveries and stuff? It just seems like a way to make more money off of consumers. Mark Squilla thinks this will encourage people to bring their own bags, which I guess is true... but what about those who can't afford reusable ones? 
. So now Philly's got a 10-cent bag fee and stores get to keep the cash? That's just peachy. Mark Squilla's all about reducing single-use plastic bags, but I guess that means some low-income folks might actually have to pay for their own bags... what a concept 
It's not like this is going to disproportionately affect anyone in particular... 
this is so cool 
that they actually made the bag fee thing happen without the mayor's signature, it's kinda crazy how that works in gov 
but i can see how low-income folks might not be able to afford reusable bags or have access to them 
some ppl are saying it could hurt local businesses tho, idk about that 
maybe they just need more time to adjust? 
.
. I do worry a bit about low-income residents, though... we need to make sure this law doesn't disproportionately affect them 
! This new law is definitely one step in the right direction