In March, the San Francisco became the first city in the United States to adopt a ban on the distribution of plastic grocery bags. California generates more than 19 billion plastic bags annually, less than 4 percent of which are currently recycled. In July, a new state law goes into effect requiring retailers in California to take back and recycle plastic bags, as well as provide consumers with a reuse opportunity.

While environmental advocates--including CAW--have expressed support for the SF Ban, many have expressed concern over SF's decision to exempt 'compostable' plastic bags from the ban. Recyclers and others are concerned that an influx of compostable plastic bags will contaminate plastic film recycling efforts.

Let us know what you think about these issues.