Maine could ban single-use bags under a Democrat's bill.
The Legislature began considering the proposal at a public hearing Wednesday morning.
Democratic Rep. Holly Stover's bill aims to prohibit retailers from using single-use bags. Instead, it would allow 100 percent recycled paper bags and reusable, machine-washable bags.
California, Hawaii and New York have similar bag bans.
Maine retail stores could provide recyclable paper bags for at least 5 cents per bag. That fee would not apply to restaurants and certain stores.
Ecomaine spokesperson Matt Grondin said plastic bags are not easily recycled and often end up as litter.
A representative of the industry group representing plastic bag manufacturers and recyclers claims that bag bans could pave the way for thicker bags winding up in landfills.
