To ban or not to ban plastic bags?
That’s the question Lexington County Council is asking.
Lexington could join many other counties and towns that have either banned or placed a charge for disposable plastic bags.
“At this point Council is purely seeking information and having discussions on this matter. I will surely have more information as this unfolds,” said Scott Whetstone, county council chairman.
County council member Beth Carrigg said her constituents would likely support “anything that reduces litter, period.”
“We are in the early stages of discussion on a ban of single use plastic bags. I am gathering information from those in my community and most people I talk to are for a ban.” Carrigg said.
Solid waste and recycling are big issues for Lexington County. There have been 2 anti-litter campaigns at state, county and local levels which have not produced the changes needed.
Public opinion is mixed.
“It is an absurd encroachment on freedom,” said Michael Mascari, Lexington County resident. “The government will continue to over-regulate individual’s lives. It will have zero ecological benefits and will not stop people from littering.”
“I think it’s a great idea to get rid of plastic bags. It’ll be much better for the environment,” said Chapin resident, Kelsey Porth.
Rose Wilkins, Master Waste Educator for the Clemson Extension said, “I have been recycling for years and am opposed to plastic bags. They hang on trees, get in waterways. I use my own recyclable bags.”
Irmo resident Steve Rickard said, “Beaufort banned plastic bags recently, and it was so nice to get everything in one paper bag.”
Chapin resident James Smith said, “They make excellent trash can liners and one-use for cat litter.”
Americandisposal.com states that plastic bags kill over 100,000 sea turtles and mammals each year.
Upcycle, recycle or reuse?
According to nashvillewraps.com, which sells both paper and plastic bags, littering is not the core issue because they claim plastic bags are biodegradable.
“We do not have to ban a good product,” states the website.
Cynthia Shepard said, “All the national grocery retailers offer bag recycling collection bins near the front entrance, just recycle.”
Recycleandrecoverplastics.org says plastic bottles can be made into new bottles, plastic lumber, picnic tables, lawn furniture and playground equipment.
Your new t-shirt, carpet or sweater could have been a plastic bottle in its past life.
 “I upcycle plastic bags into other things. I would really be upset because I can’t make things out of the paper bags like I can with plastic bags,” said West Columbia resident Aleshia Keisler.
Chapin resident Chresta Haygood said she just bought reusable bags and is trying to get in the habit of using them.
Tracy Lawernce suggested making reusable bags with hemp. Shoppers affected by the ban in other towns and cities across the nation just bring in their own bags.
“If someone wants to use their own reusable bags, great. More power to them,” said Mascari.