Elgin City Council Approves Plastic Bag Ban at Large Retailers

New ordinance aims to reduce plastic waste in the community

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Elgin City Council has given preliminary approval to a ban on single-use plastic checkout bags at larger retailers in the city. If the council gives final approval in March, the ban would take effect in June 2027, allowing time for community education and retailer preparation. The ordinance would exempt smaller retailers, restaurants, and gas stations, but would require larger stores to offer recycled paper bags for a 10-cent fee.

Why it matters

The move makes Elgin one of the only municipalities in Illinois with such a plastic bag ban, as the city aims to address environmental concerns around plastic waste. While some local retailers oppose the measure, citing potential customer loss, supporters argue it is a necessary step to reduce plastic pollution in the community.

The details

The proposed ordinance would apply to about 42 larger retailers in Elgin, defined as those with 12 or more Illinois locations and 250 or more full-time employees. Restaurants, gas stations, and smaller retailers would be exempt. Retailers would be allowed to offer recycled paper bags for a 10-cent fee, which they would retain. Recipients of food assistance programs would be exempt from the paper bag fee. Enforcement would focus on education and voluntary compliance initially.

  • The Elgin City Council gave preliminary approval to the plastic bag ban on February 26, 2026.
  • The council is scheduled to give final approval to the ordinance during its March 11, 2026 meeting.
  • If approved, the plastic bag ban would take effect in June 2027.

The players

Elgin City Council

The governing body of the city of Elgin, Illinois that voted on the proposed plastic bag ban ordinance.

David Kaptain

The mayor of Elgin, who stated the city has been proactive on environmental issues before state or federal action.

Roy Coombes

The manager of the Walmart store in Elgin, who voiced opposition to the ban, citing potential customer loss to neighboring towns.

Rose Martinez

An Elgin City Council member who voted against the proposed plastic bag ban, arguing it should be addressed at the state or federal level.

Gary Swick

A representative of Friends of the Fox River, who spoke in support of the ban during public comments, citing the prevalence of plastic bags in the local watershed.

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What they’re saying

“All were addressed by the city before the state did, and now the state and federal government are moving to change those things. I would anticipate that this will follow that path.”

— David Kaptain, Mayor (dailyherald.com)

“It's puts us all on a level playing field. My concern is we're going to chase those people in outlying areas to neighboring markets to spend their money, and I don't want that to happen.”

— Roy Coombes, Walmart Store Manager (dailyherald.com)

“We need to make smart decisions that serve all of Elgin. This is not a race. If it's not done correctly, we all lose.”

— Rose Martinez, City Council Member (dailyherald.com)

“I have never found a paper bag or reusable bag floating in the river or hanging in a tree.”

— Gary Swick, Friends of the Fox River (dailyherald.com)

What’s next

The Elgin City Council is scheduled to give final approval to the plastic bag ban ordinance during its March 11, 2026 meeting. If approved, the ban would then take effect in June 2027.

The takeaway

Elgin's move to ban single-use plastic bags at large retailers reflects a growing trend among municipalities to address environmental concerns around plastic waste. While some local businesses oppose the measure, the city views it as a necessary step to reduce plastic pollution in the community, even if it means being one of the first in the state to take such action.