Is Augusta the Next Maine City to Ban Plastic Bags?

It appears Augusta may follow in the footsteps of cities such as Portland and Brunswick with a new proposal being considered that would cost shoppers 5 cents for every plastic bag used at check-out, according to the Kennebec Journal.

The proposed charge is an alternative to not ban plastic bags entirely but to theoretically, lessen their use.

According to At-large Councilor Mark O'Brien, “It’s not an illegal product. They do have their uses, and their reuses. I’d rather incentivize behavior rather than ban behavior.”

At this time it is unknown if the decision would be made by counselors or by a vote by a citywide referendum question.

It is also up for debate where the 5 cent charge would go, back to the business, or to the city.