The Next Maine Towns with a Bag Fee and Foam Ban Could be Brunswick and Topsham

The movement is sweeping up the coast.

First Portland, then South Portland. Now Brunswick and Topsham? The citizen’s group Bring Your Own Bag – Midcoast is backing an ordnance that mimics ones in already effect in Portland and South Portland. In Portland retailers charge 5 cents per-disposable bag. Excluded are bags that are used for vegetables or meat. Stores exempt from the ordnance are ones in which food sales equal less than 2% of the retailers business.

Supporters of Brunswick and Topsham's proposed ordnance go further in charging the fee at all retail stores. Dry cleaners, restaurants and stores that re-use plastic bags would be exempt.

The Brunswick council will discuss the measures October 19. The ordnance will go before the Topsham’s Board of Selectmen, before going to Town Meeting next spring.

Portland Hannaford supermarkets report only 10% of customers used reusable bags before the ordnance. Now usage is up to 80%.