Chicago Suburb Moves Closer to Banning Single-Use Plastic Bags

Park Ridge, Illinois, is one vote away from requiring recyclable paper bags at large stores.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:30pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style grid of a single plastic shopping bag, rendered in a high-contrast, neon color palette that transforms the everyday object into a striking work of modern pop art.A vibrant pop art interpretation of the single-use plastic bags that may soon be banned in a Chicago suburb, reflecting the growing movement to reduce harmful plastic waste.Park Ridge Today

The Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, Illinois, is one vote away from passing a ban on single-use plastic bags in stores that are at least 7,500 square feet. The ban would require all bags provided at checkout to be recyclable paper bags, while still allowing compostable bags for produce. If passed, the ban would take effect on January 1 and affect an estimated nine stores in the city.

Why it matters

Plastic bag bans are a crucial step toward reducing plastic waste and preventing harmful pollution in waterways and the environment. Plastic bags contribute to climate change and also harm wildlife on land and in water.

The details

The Park Ridge Procedures & Regulations Committee of the Whole members voted unanimously to approve the ban, which has been in discussion since last summer. The nine-month transition period before the ban takes effect is intended to ease the burden on affected businesses and address concerns that stores will be stuck with extra plastic bags. Stores that don't comply with the ban would be fined $100 per violation.

  • The Park Ridge Procedures & Regulations Committee of the Whole voted unanimously to approve the ban in April 2026.
  • The ban is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

The players

Park Ridge, Illinois

A Chicago suburb that is one vote away from passing a ban on single-use plastic bags in large stores.

John Moran

A Park Ridge alderperson who called the proposed ban "a step in the right direction" but wants the city to keep an eye on potential unintended consequences.

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What they’re saying

“a step in the right direction”

— John Moran, Park Ridge alderperson

What’s next

The Park Ridge City Council will hold a final vote on the proposed plastic bag ban in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This proposed ban in Park Ridge is part of a growing trend of cities and states taking action to reduce single-use plastic waste, which has significant environmental impacts. While some concerns about implementation remain, the move reflects a broader shift toward more sustainable practices.