On November 16, 2016, the City of Chicago adopted the Chicago Checkout Bag Tax, a $.07 tax on the retail sale or use of paper and plastic checkout bags in Chicago. Retail merchants are entitled to retain $.02, and the remaining $.05 is remitted to the City.

After passage, the Department of Finance heard from many businesses who asked for a delay in the implementation in order to properly program the tax into their point of sales systems.  In order to allow for seamless start, the implementation of the Checkout Bag Tax was delayed until Wednesday, February 1, 2017.  (Source:  42 Ward Report of 1-6-17).

For more information about the Checkout Bag Tax, click here.

The City Council recently amended the Chicago Recycling Ordinance to reflect the most current standards within the recycling industry.  Under the new ordinance, which took effect January 1, 2017, property owners of multi-unit residential, office and commercial establishments are mandated to provide source-separated, single stream recycling (separating recyclable materials from waste before the point of collection) which is the most commonly used collection method in the industry. Property owners are also responsible for implementing an ongoing educational program that includes posting signage, providing adequate carts and sending written notice to tenants about the changes.

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation will handle enforcement of the ordinance that includes a 30-day warning period and graduated penalties for non-compliance after an inspection. These penalties include: $500-$1,000 (first offense); $1,000 to $2,500 (second offense within 12-month period); and $2,500-$5,000 (third and each subsequent violation occurring within 12-months of the most recent violation).  (Source:  42 Ward Report of 1-6-17).

For more information on recycling in Chicago, visit www.chicagorecycles.org or call 312-744-2413.