Swedish retailer Ikea announced plans in February 2007 to begin charging customers 5 cents per plastic bag in an effort to encourage people to bring home their goods in reusable bags and cut down on plastic waste.

While charging people for plastic bags has yet to become common practice, Minnesota lawmakers are considering a law that would require retailers to make plastic bag recycling more convenient.

A bill sponsored by Rep. Josh Lesch and Sen. Ellen Anderson, both of St. Paul, would require grocers and other retailers who provide their customers with plastic carryout bags to make in-store bag recycling available to them.

A couple of area businesses already have voluntary plastic bag recycling programs.

Wal-Mart stores have offered bag recycling for at least five years, Litchfield store manager Beth Pascoe said. The Litchfield store has bins inside each of its entrances. Pascoe said offering recycling is part of the business’ role as a community partner.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Pascoe said of the law. “We have a lot of customers that do bring their bags back, not only Wal-Mart bags but other shopping bags, as well.”

Store manager Tim Stocker said Econofoods has offered plastic bag recycling off and on for many years depending on whether there are recycling companies willing to take the bags. The drop off bin is to the left of the entrance doors.

Litchfield retailers Family Dollar, Pamida and Save-A-Lot do not have plastic bag recycling in-store, but it’s something all would consider.

Read more in the March 13 Independent Review print edition.