ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- The Albuquerque City Council voted Monday night 5-3 to approve a ban on plastic bags, but stopped short of implementing a ban on polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, and plastic straws.

More than 40 people signed up to express their opinions about the proposal.

Before voting, the city councilors made several amendments to the original ordinance:

Straws shall be provided upon request

Violation of the ordinance would result in a warning, followed by $100 and $250 fines for additional offenses

Businesses free to charge fees for single-use plastic items

Retailers shall be encouraged to waive any bag fees for persons paying with public assistance

Recognizing that City of Albuquerque should continue evaluating opportunities for more effective recycling

Mayor Tim Keller still needs to sign the ordinance. If he does, the ordinance will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.