Ordinance Would Not Take Effect Until June 2027, Allowing Time for Community and Business Preparation 

Elgin is moving toward banning single-use plastic checkout bags at major retailers, though any changes are still more than a year away. The Elgin City Council voted Feb. 25 to advance a proposed ordinance that, if approved at its March 11 meeting, would not take effect until June 2027. The extended timeline is designed to allow sufficient time for community education and retailer preparation.

"We've taken the lead before, and we're doing it again. This change starts with consumers in our community, and it's a practical step toward reducing waste and protecting our environment for the future," said Mayor David Kaptain.

If adopted, the ordinance would prohibit qualifying retailers from offering single-use plastic checkout bags at the point of sale. Retailers would be permitted to offer recycled paper bags for a fee of ten cents per bag, with those fees retained by the retailer to offset costs. Reusable bags may also be offered for purchase. Individuals enrolled in SNAP, WIC and similar assistance programs may request recycled paper bags at no charge. The ordinance is modeled after the proposed Illinois “Single-Use Bag Reduction Act” (SB 1872), currently under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly.

The proposed ordinance exempts restaurants, gas station convenience stores and small retail mercantile establishments, defined as businesses with 12 or fewer Illinois locations and 250 or fewer full-time employees. Approximately 42 Elgin-based retailers have been identified as potentially subject to the ordinance.

Advancing this ordinance supports goals outlined in Elgin’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan to reduce single-use plastics, decrease landfill waste and protect local waterways, including the Fox River. Research from other communities indicates that similar policies have significantly reduced plastic bag distribution and litter while encouraging reusable alternatives.

City staff and the Elgin Development Group conducted extensive community and business outreach during the development of the proposal. Outreach efforts included direct contact with the 42 potentially impacted retailers, an in-person business meeting, additional follow-up outreach, tabling at eight community events and a public survey that received 2,185 responses from residents across all Elgin ZIP codes.

Community input reflected strong interest in addressing plastic pollution and protecting the environment, alongside concerns about cost, equity and regional competitiveness. Feedback helped shape the ordinance framework, including exemptions, an extended implementation timeline and provisions to support residents participating in assistance programs.

The city estimates first-year implementation costs of approximately $18,000 for community and retailer education materials, retailer signage and potential reusable bag distribution. Enforcement would be conducted by the city’s neighborhood services department, with an emphasis on education and voluntary compliance during the initial rollout period.

Additional information about the proposed ordinance is available at Engage.ElginIL.gov.