PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon's first ban on plastic bags at the checkout counter went into effect Saturday in Portland.
Advocates say it will protect wildlife and unclog landfills, but grocers worry that it could result in a patchwork of laws across the state.
Lobbied by the plastics industry, the Legislature failed this year to pass a statewide ban, and the issue isn't expected to come up in next year's session, said the bill's sponsor, Democratic Sen. Mark Hass of Beaverton. But it could return later, he said.
In Portland, where leaders vowed to act if the state didn't, the city is spending about $10,000 on ads for buses and radio, urging consumers to bring reusable bags.
In one, the sound of a tattoo gun buzzes as Mayor Sam Adams yelps, "Sure, you can tie a string around your finger, but why not do what I'm doing and get a reminder tattoo?"
In another, he sings to the tune of the "William Tell Overture": "Bring your bag, bring your bag, bring your bag, bag, bag."
The city also is giving away 10,000 reusable bags through social-service agencies, The Oregonian reported (http://bit.ly/pszXSY). Some big retailers are giving away reusable bags while supplies last.
The ban is aimed at big retailers - supermarkets with $2 million or more in gross annual sales, and retailers with at least 10,000 square feet that have pharmacies.
Lisa Libby, Adams' planning and sustainability director, said officials have no plans to include other businesses such as convenience stores, farmers markets or restaurants.
Portland joins cities such as Bellingham, Wash., and San Francisco that have similar bans. In Oregon, Newport has a hearing later this month on the issue, and some Corvallis residents are pushing a ban.
That worries Oregon grocers, who could face different rules, such as mandatory customer fees on paper bags, in different jurisdictions, said Joe Gilliam, president of the Northwest Grocery Association.
In Portland, retailers will cover the estimated $12 million annual cost of giving customers paper instead of plastic. "It's not a bad alternative, it's just an expensive alternative," Gilliam said.
Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com