NYC Bill Would Make Supermarkets Recycle Plastic Bags

NEW YORK (AP) -- Large stores that use plastic bags may soon be required to start recycling them, under City Council legislation introduced Monday.

New York City isn't going as far as some cities that have banned the bags outright. San Francisco and Oakland, Calif., have outlawed plastic shopping bags and Annapolis, Md. is expected to vote next month on its own citywide ban.

Environmentalists estimate Americans throw away 100 billion plastic bags each year. The non-renewable bags take up space in waterways and landfills, and are thought to be a particular burden because of the resources needed to make them.

The legislation introduced in the City Council would require that any store in New York City that uses plastic bags and occupies 5,000 or more square feet to establish an in-store recycling program for its own bags as well as those from other stores.

The bags that these stores give out would also be required to scream in 3-inch-high letters: ``PLEASE RETURN THIS BAG TO A PARTICIPATING STORE FOR RECYCLING.''

Stores could be fined for not complying but there is no penalty for consumers, Council Speaker Christine Quinn said. She said the council estimates the bill would apply to 700 grocery stores, plus scores of other large establishments.

John Catsimatidis, who owns the Gristedes supermarkets, said the legislation was misguided and suggested the Sanitation Department collect bags for recycling at the curb.

Catsimatidis is considering a run for mayor in 2009 and could end up being an opponent against Quinn, another likely contender.

``We give out a million bags a week and it would be a nightmare if you tried to take a million bags back,'' he said. ``We already recycle bottls and certain plastic containers but we can't make our supermarkets garbage disposal areas.''