Energy & Environment Lab Study: Disposable Bag Use Down 42 Percent in Wake of Chicago Bag Tax

Chicago Tonight / April 24, 2017
By Alex Ruppenthal

Chicago’s new checkout bag tax appears to be working.

Since the 7-cent tax on paper and plastic bags went into effect Feb. 1, the number of disposable bags used per shopping trip in Chicago has decreased 42 percent, according to a preliminary study commissioned by the city.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced results of the study Monday, citing it as evidence that the bag tax is changing shoppers’ habits for the better.

“I am glad so many Chicagoans are choosing to forgo paper or plastic bags at checkout, and encourage others to help Chicago further reduce disposable bag use in the city,” Emanuel said in a press release. “By decreasing our paper and plastic bag use, Chicago is making important progress in reducing our carbon footprint as well as reducing street litter and improving recycling operations.”

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24 April 2017