Plastic bags could find unlikely pal in Florida recycling proposals

By David DeCamp, Times Staff Writer
In print: Friday, April 25, 2008

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TALLAHASSEE — In case anyone confuses Sarasota with San Francisco, House lawmakers are prepared to act.

No place in Florida would be able to ban the ubiquitous plastic shopping bag — as San Francisco did last year — until at least February 2010 under a proposal heading for debate today.

But in even an odder twist, the state mandate on local governments would be attached to an environmentally inclined plan to require airports and state vendors to recycle glass, aluminum cans and plastic.

Recycling bills offered by Rep. Janet Long, D-Seminole, and Sen. Dennis Jones, R-Treasure Island, were going nowhere until major industries opposing them and top lawmakers figured out a way to get something they wanted, too.

Powerful lobbyists for Publix, retailers, newspaper company Gannett and Associated Industries of Florida want the plastic bag protection, fearing a hodgepodge of local regulations against plastic bags that would cut revenues. The protection would apply to grocery bags, dry-cleaning bags and ones that protect newspapers.

"It benefits anybody in a business that uses plastic bags," said Rep. Stan Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, who will offer the changes to HB 301 during floor debate today. "We're trying to make sure that before these bags are summarily outlawed, that we've thought that through."

Last year, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to go paper-bag only, but other cities and countries have taken up the idea.

Environmental advocates have pressed for bans in Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties, hoping to do away with what they consider a bane against nature.

"If you ban something and want to recycle it, let's make sure there's a market out there," said Keyna Cory, chief lobbyist for Associated Industries.

Jones said his recycling bill (SB 692) was also languishing in the Senate until he learned Wednesday it could re-emerge with the changes, too. Though he said he has yet to decide if he'll support a plastic bag provision.

"At this point, with only six days left, I think we take a chance to move it," Jones said.

Also on the House floor, Mayfield and colleagues are expected to seek to require state vendors and airports to recycle only if it is "economically feasible."

The changes have prompted Rep. Rick Kriseman, D-St. Petersburg, to remove his name as a co-sponsor of the House bill, questioning the new versions — including the pre-emption on local government regulations.

Long said she had questions about the ultimate makeup of the bill, but the plastic bag protection for a few years might be justifiable and help put recycling on the front burner.

"Would it be better to develop a statewide standard that really addresses plastic bags? I think it could," she said.

Times staff writer Steve Bousquet and researcher Carolyn Edds contributed to this report. David DeCamp can be reached at ddecamp@sptimes.com or (850) 224-7263.