The Oregon Senate recently passed Senate Bill 551, which aims to further reduce plastic waste by expanding the state’s plastic bag ban to include takeout bags, plastic utensils, condiment packaging, and hotel-issued toiletries. The bill, introduced by Sen. Janeen Sollman, is seen as a positive step for the environment and for businesses that will save money by purchasing fewer plastic items. The proposal won support from both Democrats and Republicans, with coastal district Senators highlighting the impact of plastic pollution on Oregon’s beaches.
Sen. David Brock Smith, who represents a coastal district, emphasized the importance of keeping beaches free from plastic waste for the fishing, pulp, and paper industries in his area. However, not all Republicans were convinced of the bill’s benefits. Some expressed concerns about limiting consumer choice and argued that better littering practices would be a more effective solution than banning plastic items.
If the bill becomes law, it will ban all plastic bags and require customers to request plastic utensils and condiments by July 2026. It will also ban plastic packaging on single-use hotel toiletries by July 2027. The bill now moves to the House for consideration. Overall, the bill is seen as a step towards reducing plastic waste and protecting Oregon’s natural environment.
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