CAPE MAY – City Council hoped to adopt its ordinance, banning the use and sale of plastic bags, Styrofoam take-out packaging, and other non-recyclable and non-biodegradable utensils and packaging products. After discussion, the ordinance remained on the table, and did not come up for a final vote.
The city introduced the ordinance Oct. 15, joining other shore communities concerned about the rapid increase of plastic pollution in the ocean and waterways. Like many other communities across the nation, the city is wrestling with the correct language that would provide appropriate guidance to local businesses.
The matter was deferred again, while the solicitor is charged with making further changes to the draft. It is possible that the ordinance will have to be reintroduced Dec. 17, since the changes may be too significant for the council to act on, without restarting the process. If so, the ordinance may not be able to come up for final adoption until after the first of the year.
