BEACON – The Beacon City Council is considering formal support of a proposed Dutchess County law that would encourage the use of reusable bags by implementing a surcharge on carryout disposal bags.
Mayor Randy Casale supports a 10-cent surcharge on the use of plastic bags but not on paper bags, contending paper bags are biodegradable. He is also concerned about the economic impact of a surcharge.
“I don’t understand you are putting a burden on the most needy people that don’t have a lot of money. If they don’t have a reusable bag and they have to take paper and plastic, they are spending more money and the store owner is making more money, I don’t know what we are achieving.”
Despite his concern, Casale expects the city council to vote next week to support a county local law.
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