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Aspen Bans Plastic Bags, Sets Fee For Paper

ASPEN, Colo. (AP) - The Aspen City Council has voted to ban plastic bags from its two grocery stores and place a 20-cent fee on paper bags.

Basalt has already approved a fee of 20 cents on plastic and paper bags, and Carbondale has been moving toward a ban on plastic bags. The Boulder City Council is considering a fee on plastic bags.

Supporters say the goal of the ordinances is to reduce the amount of paper and plastic waste ending up in local landfills. They say research shows that only a small percentage of consumers recycle their grocery bags.

RELATED STORY: Grocers Not Pleased With Aspen's Proposal To Ban Plastic Bags

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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