AUSTIN, Texas -- The city of Austin is taking another step to ban plastic bags. On Monday, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, along with several council members, are expected to file a proposal to get a new plastic bag ban plan in place.
The proposal instructs the city manager to form a committee to study and design a city-wide ban.
Over the past several years, city officials have attempted to enforce plastic bag bans. None of the plans have had a strong success.
In 2008, a curbside plastic bag collection system failed. City officials said it cost too much to send crews out to collect the bags, and it cost too much to process the recycling. They also said few people participated.
"It's about changing behavior," said one supporter. "It's also about changing business practices. It's a little bit of of both and it's going to take both those measures to really get this initiative off the ground."
The committee will begin studying ways to enforce a ban. They'll determine what, if any, exemptions will be included, such as exemptions for small business and allowing plastic bags for raw meat. The committee will also formulate a timetable. The committee is expected to have a plan to present to council by November.
City officials say the ban would be phased in gradually once it begins.
