
Montana Plastic Bag Ban? It’s Possible And Here’s Why.
Montanans will have some tough choices to make come November. We'll decide not only who will be our next U.S. Senator but will also make a choice on who we would like to see represent us in The White House.
Of course, those aren't the only things we'll be voting on. If one Montana group has its way, we'll also be voting on a potential ban on certain plastics in both Bozeman and Missoula.
The group Montana Plastic Free has been gathering signatures so that residents of both Bozeman and Missoula can vote to pan single-use plastic bags, as well as some other plastic products.

Volunteers from the group have spent the last several weeks in grocery store parking lots and other venues trying to garner enough support to put the issue on the ballet. It seems that there are mixed feelings among locals on the subject, which probably shouldn't come as a surprise.
When would the ban on plastic bags go into effect?
According to their website, if passed, the ban would go into effect on May 1st, 2025 in both cities.
A Frequently Asked Questions segment on the website is useful for those looking to know more. One of the interesting parts about the FAQ is that there would be a fine for those violating the ban. How much? According to the site, it would be 1000 dollars for the first offense and 2000 dollars each additional offense.
According to one source, the ban would reduce over 1 million plastic bags per year in Bozeman alone.
What would replace the plastic bags?
Montana Plastic Free states alternative products are available to replace these plastic products at a low cost. The ban would also reduce plastic straws and beverage stirrers to "available upon request" only.
What do you think? Is this something you would support or do you think it goes too far? Let us know by sending us a message on our station app.
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