HARTFORD, CT (AP) -- State lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban stores from using or distributing nonbiodegradable plastic bags.
Proponents of the bill say too many of the bags are cluttering the environment. They also say it's a waste of oil to make something that's typically used for a few minutes.
The grocery store industry opposes the bill. The Connecticut Food Association says a mandatory plastic bag recycling law is a better idea. Many grocery stores already collect the bags and sell them to companies that make things like decking and park benches.
The Sierra Club is recommending the state instead impose a 5-cent fee for every bag, paper or plastic, used by shoppers. The money could be used to pay for recycling programs.
