Plastic bag recycling plan rejected
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois House Thursday rejected a proposal to create a statewide recycling program for plastic shopping bags based on an effort already going on in Lake County.
The plan would have bag manufacturers register with the state and create a recycling program that meets certain goals.
House lawmakers came just shy of approving the plan, which needed 71 votes to pass, in a 70-46 vote. The plan could come up again next week.
“This is an industry-driven, private approach to a public policy problem,” said state Rep. Mike Tryon, a Crystal Lake Republican.
But opponents dislike a statewide plan, wanting to leave plastic bag controls, or even bans, up to local officials.
“I am afraid we are codifying failure,” said state Rep. Karen May, a Highland Park Democrat.