Meeting Date: January 21, 2026
To: Members of the Environmental Quality Commission
From: Risi Karim, Assistant to the City Administrator
Title
Zero Waste Initiative #1 - Single-Use Carryout Bag Community Survey Results
Body
Action Requested:
Commission will receive survey results
Summary Report:
As part of the EQC 2025 Work Plan, the Commission initiated Initiative #1: Zero Waste Plan Implementation, with a focus on evaluating Northfield’s approach to single-use carryout bags. The intent of this effort was to better understand community and business perspectives through targeted outreach and surveys before considering any potential policy actions.
In early 2025, the subcommittee met to establish the project timeline, priorities, and survey framework, and worked with local Zero Waste advocates to refine survey questions. Surveys were finalized and launched in the spring, with outreach conducted at Earth Day, Pride, and Crazy Days, along with coordination with the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce to engage businesses. A draft ordinance was presented to the Commission in July, and while a planned town hall was canceled, the surveys remained open until mid September to continue collecting feedback.
Staff is sharing the results of both the resident and business surveys with the Commission for informational purposes. At this time, the City will not be moving forward with further consideration of implementing a bag fee. Staff and the EQC may revisit this topic as part of future work plan discussions if desired and instructed by City Council.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
N/A