from West Chester Borough Sustainability Advisory Committee

West Chester Borough is taking steps to curb single-use plastic waste. In July 2019 Borough Council approved an ordinance banning single use plastic bags and straws in West Chester, effective July 2nd 2020.

• September 2018 – local students ask Council to address single use plastic bags and straws  
• July 2019 – Ordinance written and public hearing held. Council votes to approve ordinance
• July 2020 – Enforcement begins July 2nd

Click here to read West Chester’s Single Use Plastic ordinance.

What do businesses need to know? 

• As of July 2nd 2020 distribution of plastic bags and straws will be prohibited within the Borough
• Any bag distributed to customers must include 40% recycled content and be recyclable in the Borough. This is considered a “compliant bag”
• Businesses are required to charge 10 cents per compliant bag distributed to customers, and disclose this fee on the sales receipt
• Any business may request a year-long exemption for review by the Borough’s Sustainability Advisory Committee
• Businesses observed to be violating the ordinance will receive a written warning, then a $100, $200, and $500 fine for successive violations in a single 12-month period.