A plastic bag ban passed by the Dutchess County Legislature would require all stores to switch to paper or reusable options by 2020.

But despite the ban's overwhelming support before the Legislature, Democrats and Republicans disagree as to whether the ban goes far enough, and how it should be implemented.

And local shops owners and managers are torn on how the ban may impact their customers. Some said they had already started encouraging customers to utilize reusable bags, which should ease the transition.

Dutchess County uses approximately 100 million single-use plastic bags annually, according to the legislature, which passed the ban by a 23-1 vote, with one legislator absent.

Many regions have taken steps to limit the use of plastics such as bags and straws. The legislature in a release said the plastic bags are "rarely recycled," and often end up in trash incinerators.

The ban must be signed by Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro before it is official. Molinaro said the county will conduct a brief hearing on the ban and hold a public comment period, but he expressed his support for the policy and said he planned to sign it.

"It is a good compromise and a solid step forward from the county (polystyrene) ban" he said, referencing the county's law prohibiting the use of polystyrene foam cups and food containers in chain restaurants and county facilities.

The ban, which includes all disposable plastic bags, would take effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Democrats, Republicans disagree on extent of ban

While Republican supported the ban as it passed, Democrats called for greater measures to encourage the use of reusable bags.

Proposed amendments to the ban called for a 5-cent fee for using alternative single-use bags, such as paper. The amendments also called for stores to train staff to promote reusable bags and to provide free reusable bags for a two-week period at the start of every year.

This fee would not impact customers using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

The amendment calling for the fee was defeated, 12-12 with one absentee, per the roll call. The amendment detailing the specifics surrounding the fee was also defeated, 6-18 with one absentee.

"Compromise is something we always aim for and I’m pleased that this passed,” Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver, R-Pine Plains, said in a statement. “That being said, the Republican Caucus stands firmly opposed to any new taxes or fees. I am glad that we had a healthy and robust discussion on this critical environmental policy and banned single-use plastic bags without new fees or taxes."

But Legislator Rebecca Edwards, D-Town of Poughkeepsie, called the decision "disappointing.

"This is a good first step," she said. "But it's disappointing that the Republican majority refused to accept a stronger bill — one that would really alter consumer behavior and do much more to protect humans, wildlife, waterways, and machinery from the plastic-bag nuisance."

Stores see positives, negatives of ban

For Dutchess County stores, the plastic bag ban would require change, and for some, potential negative consequences.

Adams Fairacre Farms in Wappinger is in a good position to make the transition, said assistant store manager Garrett Dyal.

"We've been offering reusable bags for a while, and a lot of our clientele is already on board," he said. "Especially with millennials, who have become a larger client base, we've seen more using reusable bags."

He added: "If they've proven there's a good environmental impact to this decision, we support that initiative."

Many national supermarket chains likewise encourage reusable bags, and they are present for sale on some checkout lines.

Michael Cammarota, owner of Dragon's Den comic shop in the Town of Poughkeepsie, said the switch from plastic bags to paper wouldn't have a major effect on the store.

But he did raise concerns as to the use of reusable bags.

"I'm concerned these permanent shopping bags may increase the prevalence of shoplifting," he said. "We're going to have to watch more carefully to make sure that doesn't happen."

From the perspective of a customer, Cammarota said he was also concerned about the potential issue of having to carry a multitude of items from a store if he forgot to bring his own bags.

Alyssa Conte, manager at Mother Earth Storehouse in the Town of Poughkeepsie, said the store aims to transition away from plastic bags before the ban takes place.

"We've always supported reusable bags, and our customers are on board for this," she said. "The transition is not a hassle for us."

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4882; Twitter: @Geoff_LW

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