DiCicco bill would boost recycling of plastic bags

City Councilman Frank DiCicco is continuing his crusade against plastic bags.

DiCicco yesterday introduced an ordinance that would require all shops that offer plastic bags to provide recycling bins for customers. Penalties for violating the rule would range from $100 to $300. Those charging between 10 and 25 cents per bag would be exempt.

The legislation is a softer approach to plastic bags than DiCicco has taken in the past. DiCicco, along with Councilman Jim Kenney, previously sponsored legislation that would ban plastic bags in the city. But that bill was voted down in June.

DiCicco said that he expects the same push-back from the plastic-bag industry on this legislation.

"I expect the same full-out assault against the bill that they have done in the past," he said. "But I think the environment is much more important than their bottom line."

Also in Council yesterday:

* Councilwomen Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and Blondell Reynolds Brown introduced a resolution to hold hearings on the death of community leader Joaquin Rivera, who died in a waiting room at Aria Health's Frankford campus last month without receiving treatment.

* Council approved a modified $150 trash fee for businesses and landlords without private haulers. The original budget included a $500 fee just for small business owners, which drew criticism.