Lawrence City Commission to discuss proposal to charge for disposable plastic and paper bags

City leaders will soon discuss a proposal to charge people for disposable grocery and shopping bags in an effort to reduce waste.

As part of its study session Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will discuss the Sustainability Advisory Board’s recommendation that the city develop an ordinance that would charge a 16-cent fee per bag upon checkout for both single-use plastic and paper bags, but would exempt some types of bags. Exempted bags would include those used to carry raw meat, seafood and bulk items, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts.

As currently proposed, the fee would apply to grocers and retailers, but Lawrence-Douglas County Sustainability Director Jasmin Moore, who is the staff liaison to the board, previously told the Journal-World that further discussion would occur regarding what businesses would be included.