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Nov 07, 2024

Bozeman passes city plastics ban, impacting local businesses by 2025 | | news-journal.com

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Bozeman residents have voted to pass the Bozeman Plastics Initiative, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability in the city. The new ordinance will introduce

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Bozeman residents have voted to pass the Bozeman Plastics Initiative, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability in the city.

The new ordinance will introduce changes to the Bozeman Municipal Code, effectively banning the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam and the use of single-use plastic bags, straws, or stirrers starting May 1, 2025. There are exceptions included in the ordinance.

The initiative also mandates the City of Bozeman to notify affected businesses and grants the city the power to establish rules and regulations for its implementation.

Enforcement measures include penalties of $1,000 for a first violation and $2,000 for subsequent violations.

The Montana Secretary of State reported that the vote passed with 63 percent in favor and 37 percent opposed. Bozeman is the first city in Montana to implement such a plastics ban.

Originally published on montanarightnow.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

The following is a joint press release from Belgrade School District and the City of Belgrade: