Illinois Plastic Bag Recycling Bill Awaits Governor’s Decision

Illinois’ legislature has passed a bill that rather than banning plastic carryout bags would require manufacturers to develop a collection and recycling plan for the bags.

Senate Bill 3442, sponsored by Sens. Terry Link and John Millner, now awaits a decision by Gov. Pat Quinn, according to the Illinois General Assembly website.

Under the bill, makers of plastic carryout bags would have to register with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and submit to the agency a plan for the collection and recycling of the bags and plastic film product wrap. The act would also create penalties for violations.

 In addition, the state would encourage manufacturers to include recycled content in the plastic carryout bags they produce.