Group looking for input on future of plastic bags

PALMER — A push is on to gauge Mat-Su Borough residents’ feelings on plastic carry-out bags. The Mat-Su Plastic Bag-It Committee will be among the items discussed at a Nov. 15 meeting planned in conjunction with Alaska Recycles Day, as proclaimed by Gov. Bill Walker.

The committee is sponsored by the Mat-Su Recycling Coalition. Committee member David Johnson said communities across the country and in Alaska are banning single-use plastic carry out bags, or charging a fee to offset their negative impacts. He said the committee has begun taking an informal survey to see what, if any, interest there is on the topic.

The survey asks questions on whether residents would support placing a fee on single-use plastic bags — and potentially what that fee would be — or a banning them completely. The survey also has a spot for additional comments.

“We’re trying to get the conversation started at this point,” Johnson said. “Just get people to look at it and raise the level of consciousness about the topic.”

Johnson said if Mat-Su residents would support a fee, it could generate revenue for a number of things. Suggestions include additional funds for the borough, recycling center and non-profit agencies.

“It would be a great plus for our community,” Johnson said. “Studies have shown even a small (fee on bags) reduces usage by 90 percent. It has a major impact.”

Team members started the survey last week at the Big lake Transfer Site and the Valley Community Recycling Coalition (VCRS) drive through. Johnson said plans are in the works to take additional surveys at borough storefronts over the next few weeks. He said Wal-Mart is a confirmed location and more stores are pending. Johnson said the survey results and additional wide-ranging research done by the committee will eventually be presented to the borough for consideration.

Discussion on the topic is part of a planned 2 1/2 hour agenda on general recycling in the Mat-Su. Mat-Su Borough Central Landfill officials will be on hand to discuss operations along with its ongoing composting program. VCRS representatives will provide information on trash volume reduction through recycling. Johnson said vendors including Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling as well as local recyclers, pick-up service providers and refuse haulers will have booths set up for the last part of the evening.

The event gets underway at 4:30 p.m. at the Palmer Train Depot in downtown Palmer. For additional information, call 745-3271.