Manufacturers Group Claims Austin Plastic Bag Ban Would Cost 8,800 Jobs

The proposed ban of plastic carryout bags in Austin, Texas, puts 8,800 jobs in jeopardy, according to the American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA).

“Plastic retail carryout bags are 100 percent recyclable and made from clean natural gas by American workers. Those in Texas interested in reducing litter and protecting the environment would be far better served supporting a statewide reduce, reuse and recycling program rather than a regressive tax on grocery bags,” the alliance said in a news release. APBA is a group of American plastic bag manufacturers.

The group said that the bags comprise less than 1 percent of the municipal solid waste stream, and a ban makes consumers use reusable bags that a mostly imported from China, made from foreign oil and are not recyclable.

"The Austin City Council has the opportunity to show real environmental leadership and enact a comprehensive recycling plan that actually reduces litter, protects Texas jobs and preserves consumer choice," the APBA said.

In December Austin proposed a plastic bag ban for area retailers that would begin in 2016 and require a 25-cent fee per bag for the previous three years.