The Town of North Hempstead is looking to make the switch from plastic to paper bags — but not for groceries.
The new environmental initiative, being led by North Hempstead officials, looks to end the tradition of using plastic bags for fallen leaves and other yard waste.
“It’s state law that you have to separate yard waste,” Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. “We’re trying to encourage residents to use biodegradable paper leaf bags, as opposed to large plastic bags.”
The initiative, Bosworth said, aims to keep plastic bags out of landfills, and to help decrease the burning of fossil fuels and pollution added to the air.
“Instead of going into landfills, the carter will take the waste. If it’s a larger item like a branch, they’ll grind it up to go to compost facilities,” Bosworth said. “We have contracts with local companies for compost.”
Large biodegradable paper bags, which can hold up to 30 gallons, will be available for purchase directly from the Solid Waste Management Authority as well as at local town facilities including the Aquatic Activity Center at the Michael J. Tully Park, and the Nassau County Community Center.
Five large bags will be sold to residents for $2.
Bosworth said that informing the public and encouraging residents to change their old habits would be the biggest hurdle.
“As with anything, often times people are used to doing something one way, so it takes a while until they just get used to another way,” Bosworth said.
The town plans to continue educating children on recycling at local schools, and will expand the program to include discussion of paper over plastic bags.
“We have great recycling initiatives in every school district,” Bosworth said. “This is something that will be introduced in our schools so that children understand the importance.”
Bosworth said that it could be up to children to start a new tradition to eventually rid the Island of plastic bags.
Town officials are also currently in discussions to ban the use of plastic bags throughout North Hempstead, but nothing has been officially decided yet.
“As with anything it’s a process. You weigh the positives against any possible negatives,” Bosworth said. “Although, I can’t think of any negatives I could tell you.”
