ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque City Council has approved an amended version of a bill that limits the use of plastic shopping bags, plastic straws and foam containers.
The Clean and Green Retail Ordinance, which passed late Monday, will prohibit businesses from providing single-use plastic bags to customers at the point of sale.
The amended version, introduced by Councilor Ken Sanchez, exempts dry cleaners and restaurants from the plastic bag ban.
Businesses are allowed to give people plastic straws if they need them for medical reasons.
Businesses also can charge customers more if they demand the banned items.
Biodegradable and reusable items are recommended.
A first offense comes with a warning, but penalties may escalate up to $250.
The ban will take effect Jan. 1, 2020.
