Chicago is one step closer to requiring some stores to recycle plastic bags. A City Council committee Wednesday unanimously approved the proposal. If passed, the ordinance would require all food and drug stores to collect plastic bags from customers for recycling. Mike Nowak with the Chicago Recycling Coalition says the proposal is a good start.
NOWAK: I would like to see it expand even more. I feel as though we can teach people to go into the Home Depot, we can teach people to go into a Staples, and take their plastic bags with them, and they will learn.
Nowak says he would have liked to see the ordinance include more businesses like hardware and electronics stores. He also says the committee did not seriously consider putting a fee on plastic bags. The proposal is expected to go for a vote before the full council next week.