Atlanta City Council approves bill to ban plastic at Atlanta Airport

Atlanta City Council has approved legislation prohibiting the city or its contractors from purchasing, acquiring or making available to the public non-compostable single-use plastic bags, polystyrene and plastic straws at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. 

“Mayor Bottoms and her team were enthusiastic partners on this from day one. This doesn’t get done without her leadership,” said council member, Amir Farokhi. “Furthermore, council member Carla Smith should be singled out for her hard work in helping move this bill forward. I was thrilled to have such an active partner in advocating for positive change.

“This bill is as much about us catching up to consumer expectations as it is about leading,” Farokhi continued. “I’m proud of this bill and today’s vote. But there is more to do before we can stake a claim to being ahead of the curve on sustainability. I think there is a shared understanding of this fact. So, I hope that this bill is a first step and not the last word.

“Sustainability and climate change are defining challenges of our time. Inaction is unacceptable.”

Atlanta City Council members passed the legislation unanimously with 11 co-sponsors. The bill will now be given to the Mayor for her signature.