Would you like a bag?

Single Use plastic bags have been a hot topic for years. Should we use them? Should they be banned? Should there be a fee? What about paper bags? Each community tackles the issue in a different way. The City of Duluth has chosen a bag fee. So what does that mean for us?

If you’re purchasing anything (from pliers to papayas) in the City of Duluth (not Hermantown, Proctor, Superior, etc), you will be charged a per bag fee for single use carry out bags. If you’re a retailer or have specific questions about the new fee (effective October 15, 2021) check in with the City of Duluth.

Here are the basics for us shoppers:
If you scoop your purchased items into a single use plastic bag at check-out, you’ll be charged a minimum of 5 cents per bag. Exceptions to the rule:
1- Smaller produce bags that you use inside the store.
2- Pharmacy bags that contain prescriptions.
3- Bags used for take-out food or beverages.
4- Newspaper, door-hanger, dry-cleaning, or bags used to protect fancy paper products.
5- Bags sold in packages – trash, pet waste, yard waste.
6- Bags made out of paper.
Keep an eye out for a sign at each retailer letting you know their policy. Some locations are adding paper bags into the mix, even though it’s not required. Other retailers are creating added discounts if you re-use a bag from their store.

Here at WLSSD we always encourage you to throw a few reusable bags in your car, your purse, your pockets, or anywhere else you can stash them. Use them at the Farmer’s market, big box stores, the hardware store, family activities, and of course the grocery store. It saves on resources and now on your wallet.