Park Ridge leaders are a little bit closer to eying a plastic bag ban at large retailers, with the City Council expected to decide on the issue next month or in March.

At the Park Ridge Committee of the Whole Meeting Tuesday, city leaders revisited the topic, generally agreeing on a ban of the ubiquitous plastic grocery at stores in the city that are 7,500 sq. feet or larger, a move aimed at improving the town by reducing plastic waste.

A handful of residents also spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting in favor of banning point-of-sale plastic bags. But, for now, it’s all just discussion. The city has been debating a ban since late last summer. Jan. 20

The ban would not affect deli or produce bags. And, only nine stores in Park Ridge would be affected – its grocery stores, along with the town’s Walgreens, Ace Hardware, and Wheel and Sprocket. Paper bags would not be affected.

City leaders reported that they reached out to major supermarkets multiple times, but never heard back, though some smaller stores did express support for the ban. John Scopelliti, a city planner, said the store management he spoke with asked for a rollout period of up to six months and members of the City Council appeared agreeable to that.

Lauren Rapisand said she supported the ban and added that a citywide education effort should be included in the effort.

“(The yet-unintroduced ordinance) basically bans or prohibits plastic bags, it does not charge a fee,” Community Preservation and Development Director Drew Awsumb explained at the meeting Tuesday.

He said charging a fee or tax on bags got too complicated, and retailers seemed to think a switch to paper bags was easier.

“I moved to Park Ridge in 2023 from the New York City area where plastic bags have been gone for many years,” said Kelly Delaney. “They feel a little bit like a relic, especially for a town that is so environmentally conscious.”

She said when New York City banned the bags, she could feel a difference.

“It does feel like a pretty straightforward change with a really big impact,” she said.

Andrea Cline, chair of the city’s Sustainability Commission, added to the support.

“Plastic is found in every part of the world and every part of the body including in our brains,” Cline said. “It’s a real problem and a real health concern. … Our wastewater treatment plants have no way to filter microplastics out. It’s something to think about and I hope you approve this ban.”

Alderman Joseph Steinfels asked Awsumb to bring before the council text of an ordinance calling for a ban on plastic bags.

“I would urge that we start with 7,500 or over,” Steinfels said. “Let’s leave the restaurants out of it for now.”

He did say he’d like restaurants to be “brought into the fold” at some point in the future, though.

Jesse Wright is a freelancer.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/22/park-ridge-city-council-may-ban-plastic-grocery-bags/