Meeting Date: July 16, 2025
To: Members of the Environmental Quality Commission
From: Risi Karim, Assistant to the City Administrator
Title
Draft Carryout Bag Ordinance and Community Engagement Efforts
Body
Action Requested:
No action is required by the Commission
Summary Report:
As part of the City's ongoing efforts to implement initiatives from the Zero Waste Plan and in alignment with Northfield's Climate Action Plan, City staff, in collaboration with the City Attorney, have drafted a proposed Carryout Bag Ordinance aimed at reducing the environmental impact of single-use bags.
Single-use carryout bags contribute significantly to pollution in waterways, stormwater systems, and landfills. They are a known source of environmental degradation, wildlife harm, and litter, while also interfering with recycling operations. While paper bags are recyclable and biodegradable, they still consume considerable natural resources in their production.
The ordinance aims to:
* Reduce reliance on petroleum-based, single-use products.
* Encourage use of reusable bags.
* Support the City's broader waste reduction and sustainability goals.
Community Engagement Update
Surveys
Two separate online surveys are currently open, one for residents and one for businesses.
* The resident survey has received over 500 responses to date.
* Business participation remains low. Because businesses will be directly impacted by the ordinance, continued promotion of the business-specific survey remains a priority. Staff is also continuing coordination efforts with the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce to boost engagement.
Both surveys will remain open until September 12.
* Resident Survey
* Business Survey
Open House Events
To support equitable engagement, two open house sessions have been scheduled:
City Hall - 2nd Floor Training Room
6:00-7:30 p.m.
* Wednesday, August 13
* Wednesday, September 10
These sessions provide an opportunity for community members and business owners to...
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