Single Use Plastic Bag & Straw Ordinance

Media Borough enacted a Plastic Bag Ordinance in January of 2023.  The plastic bag ordinance prohibits the use of plastic bags for customers. Straws may be made available upon customer request and for customers who may have a disability that requires use of a plastic straw. Wherever possible, customers should be encouraged to bring their own reusable (non-plastic) bag while shopping in Media Borough.

Proposed Amendment to Ordinance 

In response to growing environmental concerns: Media Borough Council will vote on  an Amendment to the Plastic Bag Ordinance (enacted in January 2023) that bans polystyrene (styrofoam) for take out containers. These changes are part of an ongoing effort to reduce waste and promote sustainability in our community.  The vote will occur at the November 20, 2025, Borough Countil meeting. View the draft ordinance in "Related Documents" on this page.

Business Owners

As part of the Plastic Bag Ordinance, businesses are required to display signage at your location to notify customers of the ordinance. (see flyer at right).

Enforcement of the Plastic Bag & Straw Ordinance began JULY 1, 2023. The amendment banning polystyrene (Styrofoam) was enacted in January 1, 2026. Enforcement begins on July 1, 2026.

Fines for non-compliance are as follows:

  • Fine of $50.00 for a first offense
  • Fine of $100.00 for a second offense
  • Fine of $300.00 for a third or any subsequent offense

Media Borough has drafted a marketing toolkit where the following are readily available for businesses to download and print:

Please reach out to Lori Devlin, Environmental Recycling Inspector, or Allie Garrett, Special Projects Coordinator, with any questions: 610-566-5210

Residents

  • Please bring a bag when shopping in Media Borough
  • Look for bag making events and other information about the ordinance

Media Borough Council approved a single-use plastic (SUP) shopping bag and straw ordinance, in close collaboration with Media businesses and restaurants and the Media Business Authority. In 2025 they adopted an amendment to the ordinance banning polystyrene (Styrofoam).

Notable points of the ordinance include:

  • Single-use plastic shopping bags (including bio-based  or compostable plastic) will no longer be offered to customers at Media businesses. Businesses may still provide plastic straws to customers who specifically request them.
  • Businesses can provide paper bags with a minimum 40% recycled paper stock or reusable bags. The goal is to encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags whenever they shop. Reusable bags made of cotton, jute or other natural fibers that are specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuses are the best choice.
  • Businesses have the option to add a 10-cent fee to a customer's receipt for the use of a paper bag. The purpose of the fee is to help support businesses with the added costs of switching to a paper bag and also to encourage consumers to bring their own bag, which is the goal of this ordinance.