Upper Providence Township Council is considering the adoption of a new ordinance that would prohibit the use of single-use plastics and polystyrene products across the Township. This initiative aligns with similar efforts already adopted in 39 other Pennsylvania municipalities, including Media Borough, Nether Providence, Haverford, Swarthmore, and Radnor.
Single-use Ordinance 563
Key Provisions of the Proposed Ordinance
Implementation: 90 days after enactment
- Ban on single-use plastic bags for customer transactions
- Ban on non-recycled paper bags
- Single-use plastic utensils allowed only upon customer request
- Ban on expanded polystyrene food service products (e.g., Styrofoam)
Approved Alternatives
- Paper bags (minimum 40% postconsumer recycled content): $0.15 minimum charge per bag
- Reusable bags: $0.25 minimum charge per bag
Fees must be itemized on customer receipts.
Notification Requirement
Business Obligation Township-provided signage at all points of sale for six months, beginning 30 days after implementation.
Enforcement and Penalties
- First Violation: $50
- Second Violation: $100
- Third and Subsequent Violations: $300 per incident
Each day of non-compliance is a separate violation. Additional legal action may be pursued for repeated non-compliance.
Informational Session for Business Owners
- Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Upper Providence Township Building,
935 N. Providence Road, Media, PA 19063
All business owners are encouraged to attend this session to ask questions, provide feedback, and ensure compliance.
For immediate questions, contact Township Manager Barry Luber. Thank you for supporting a cleaner, more sustainable Upper Providence.
Ordinance Explanation
| Topic | Definition | Business Obligation | Exclusions | Effective Date |
Single-use plastic bags | Bags made of synthetic materials or plastic | May not provide | Bags part of product packaging | 90 days after effective date following passage of ordinance |
Non-recycled paper bags | Bags made of paper with at least 40% post-consumer recycled material | May not provide
| Bags part of product packaging
| 90 days after effective date following passage of ordinance |
Recycled paper bags | Bags made of paper with at least 40% post-consumer recycled material | May be provided for a charge of at least $0.15 each (establishment retains any monies collected); if provided, must be itemized on the receipt |
| 90 days after effective date following passage of ordinance |
Single-use plastic utensils | Straws, forks, spoons, sporks, knives, chopsticks, drink stirrers, beverage spill plugs, toothpicks, novelty cocktail accessories primarily made of plastic | May not provide
| Straws included with beverages prepared outside the Township. Straws provided to accommodate disability
| 90 days after effective date following passage of ordinance |
Expanded polystyrene food service product | Products made of polystyrene (including Styrofoam) intended for selling, providing, or transporting food or beverages | May not provide
| Items packaged in polystyrene outside the Township used to package raw meat, fish, poultry, or seafood
| 90 days after effective date following passage of ordinance |
Reusable bag | Bag made of cloth or other machine-washable fabric that has stitched handles; or a polypropylene bag that has stitched handles | May be provided for a charge of at least $0.25 each (establishment retains any monies collected); if provided, must be itemized on the receipt |
| 90 days after effective date following passage of ordinance |
Enforcement | A person, store, or food service establishment that violates the requirements of ordinance is subject to a civil penalty | Pay civil penalty of $50.00 for first offense; $100.00 for second offense; $300.00 for third and subsequent offenses |
| 90 days after effective date following passage of ordinance |
Temporary signage | Signage provided by the Township explaining impacted items | Must post signage at all points of sale informing customers of impacted items |
| 30 days after effective date and for 6 months thereafter
|
Ordinance Key Dates
- January–March 2025, Public Discussions: UPT Environmental Commission holds various public meetings on topic.
- March 20, 2025, Proposed Ordinance: UPT Environmental Commission votes to advise council to adopt ordinance.
- April 8, 2025, Ordinance Announcement: UPT Township Council announce proposed ordinance.
- April 15, 2025, Mailing: UPT businesses informed of proposed ordinance by mail.
- May 15, 2025, Information Session: UPT Environmental Commission to hold information session with public comment.
- July 8, 2025, Ordinance Adoption: UPT Township Council holds public vote on adoption of proposed ordinance.
- July 15, 2025, Effective Date: If adopted, ordinance becomes effective.
- August 15, 2025–
February 15, 2026, Temporary Signage:
If adopted, UPT businesses required to display temporary signage.
- October 15, 2025, Ban in Effect: If adopted, ban and enforcement takes effect.