Quinn Rejects Plastic Bag Recycling Bill

Illinois manufacturers say they're disappointed with Gov. Pat Quinn's veto of a bill requiring a plastic bag recycling program.

Quinn rejected the proposed law Sunday saying it limited local municipalities.  It would have required manufacturers to set up recycling programs with the goal of increasing the recycling rate.

It also would have required manufacturers to register with the state. Retail stores then could use bags only from registered manufacturers.

 

“While well-intentioned, this legislation is a roadblock to innovation that would do little to boost recycling in Illinois," Quinn said.  "We can do better."

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association says the bill represented an opportunity for Illinois to become a national leader in recycling.  Meanwhile, environmentalists didn't support the law, saying its goals were paltry and would limit local municipalities from enacting bans.

“This bill was an assault on the principle of home rule and the idea that innovations can come from municipalities,” said Champaign Mayor Don Gerard.  “If the City of Champaign and other towns want to put a fee on plastic bags or ban them or do nothing, it should be our choice.”

The Champaign City Council was moving towards regulation of plastic bags in retail stores.

Also praising Quinn's decision was 13-year-old Abby Goldberg. She led a petition drive against the bill and is pushing a ban in Grayslake.

<em>(With additional reporting from Illinois Public Media)</em>