Alexei Volkov
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue in Illinois, with an estimated 22 million pounds of plastic waste ending up in the Great Lakes each year. In recent years, Illinois has been taking steps to address this issue by introducing various measures to reduce single-use plastics. While Chicago implemented a tax on plastic bags, which increased to 10 cents per bag in January 2025, advocates have pushed for more comprehensive action. In 2025, Illinois lawmakers considered legislation to phase out single-use plastic bags and foam food containers, with bills SB1531 and SB1872 gaining traction. These bills aim to prohibit large retailers from offering single-use plastic bags and ban polystyrene containers, with the support of retailers and environmental advocates. However, some opposition has been voiced, and the Illinois Municipal League has concerns about the financial implications of the ban. As of 2025, the bills are still under discussion, with the Illinois Environmental Council pushing for their passage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bag ban in Illinois | Bills are being considered to phase out single-use plastic bags and polystyrene containers at large retailers in the state over the next four to five years |
| Previous efforts | Chicago's tax on plastic bags increased from 7 cents to 10 cents per bag in January 2025; a 2023 state law banned foam foodware at state facilities that went into effect in January 2025 |
| Support | Illinois Environmental Council, Coalition for Plastic Reduction, Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Illinois Sierra Club chapter |
| Opposition | Illinois Municipal League, WinCup, manufacturers and unions |
| Impact | Reduce plastic pollution in the Great Lakes, protect drinking water and public health |
| Related efforts | Required state agencies to implement plans to reduce single-use plastics; banned hotels from providing personal care products in small single-use plastic bottles; allowed businesses to refill consumers' reusable containers; required large events to provide access to recycling and composting |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution in Illinois
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue in Illinois, with an estimated 22 million pounds of plastic waste ending up in the Great Lakes each year. Eighty-six percent of the litter collected on Great Lakes beaches is plastic, posing a threat to the state's drinking water and public health. To address this growing problem, Illinois has taken several measures to reduce single-use plastic pollution.
One of the key initiatives is the introduction of bills aiming to phase out single-use plastics, including plastic bags and foam foodware. SB1872, sponsored by Sen. Cristina Castro, seeks to ban single-use plastic shopping bags at large retailers. Another bill, SB1531, championed by Sen. Laura Fine, focuses on prohibiting the use of single-use foam foodware. These bills have received the necessary votes to advance to the Senate floor for further debate and represent a crucial step towards reducing plastic pollution in Illinois.
In addition to legislative efforts, Illinois has implemented other measures to tackle plastic pollution. Chicago, for instance, increased its tax on plastic bags from 7 cents to 10 cents per bag in January 2025. However, the effectiveness of this initiative has been questioned, as some believe the revenue from this tax has not been adequately directed towards sustainable initiatives. Additionally, a 2023 state law banned foam foodware at state facilities, although its implementation has faced some challenges.
Illinois has also taken steps to encourage recycling and reduce plastic consumption. They required large events to provide access to recycling and composting and mandated state agencies to cut down on their use of single-use plastics. Hotels are now prohibited from providing personal care products in small single-use plastic bottles, and businesses are allowed to refill consumers' reusable containers. These measures demonstrate Illinois's commitment to addressing plastic pollution and encouraging more sustainable practices.
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Bills to ban plastic bags
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue in Illinois, with an estimated 22 million pounds of plastic waste entering the Great Lakes each year. To tackle this, Illinois lawmakers are considering two bills to ban plastic bags and polystyrene containers at large retailers in the state. SB1872, sponsored by Senator Cristina Castro, aims to phase out single-use plastic shopping bags, while SB1531, championed by Senator Laura Fine, seeks to prohibit the sale and distribution of food containers containing polystyrene foam.
These bills represent significant progress in Illinois' efforts to reduce single-use plastics. Previously, initiatives such as Chicago's tax on plastic bags and a 2023 state law banning foam foodware at state facilities had limited success. The new bills aim to address plastic pollution more comprehensively by prohibiting large retailers from offering single-use plastic bags and banning most polystyrene containers over the next four to five years.
SB1872, the bill sponsored by Senator Castro, has faced opposition from the Illinois Municipal League due to its provision to eliminate municipal taxes on plastic bags by 2029. They argue that this provision preempts local regulatory authority. Additionally, manufacturers and unions disagree with SB1531, Senator Fine's foam foodware bill, claiming it will only shift consumers to other types of plastic and result in job losses.
Despite this opposition, the bills have received key stakeholder support and cleared the first critical step in the legislative process. They are now headed to the Senate floor for debate. Advocates, including the Illinois Environmental Council and the Coalition for Plastic Reduction, highlight the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and its threat to human and environmental health. They point to similar legislation in states like New Jersey and California as evidence of the timely nature of these bills.
The passage of these bills would represent a significant milestone in Illinois' journey towards reducing single-use plastics and protecting its natural assets, such as Lake Michigan, from the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.
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Previous efforts to reduce plastic
Illinois has been active in passing legislation to reduce plastic usage and pollution. In 2025, the state advanced legislation to ban certain types of single-use plastics, including polystyrene foam food containers and single-use plastic bags at large retailers. This legislation, SB1531 and SB1872, passed the critical first step in the legislative process with strong support from stakeholders and advocates.
Prior to this, Illinois had already taken several measures to reduce plastic usage. The state required state agencies to implement plans to reduce single-use plastics, banned hotels from providing personal care products in small single-use plastic bottles, allowed businesses to refill consumers' reusable containers, and mandated large events to provide access to recycling and composting.
Additionally, Illinois passed an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) study bill in 2023, aiming to address the creation of food packaging and reduce plastic usage, with a focus on increasing recycling opportunities. The state has also shown support for legislation that would make plastic bag use less desirable, encouraging the use of reusable bags instead.
On a broader scale, there is a growing movement to reduce plastic pollution, with 85% of Americans considering it a serious issue requiring immediate political action. This has resulted in increased recycling efforts, with many Americans adopting recycling as a regular practice. However, the recycling rate for plastics in the United States remains low, emphasizing the need to focus on reducing plastic usage rather than solely relying on recycling as a solution.
To reduce plastic usage, individuals are encouraged to borrow or buy used items, purchase products with minimal packaging, and select larger containers or bulk options instead of multiple small ones. Reusable containers, cloth napkins, and durable dishes are also recommended over disposable alternatives. These collective efforts are crucial in addressing the plastic pollution crisis and protecting our planet for future generations.
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Support for the ban
There is a growing movement in Illinois to ban single-use plastics, with the Illinois Environmental Council and the League of Women Voters of Illinois advocating for such legislation. The Illinois Environmental Council has released an annual scorecard to inform voters about legislators' environmental voting records.
In April 2025, the Illinois State Senate Environment and Conservation Committee advanced two bills aimed at phasing out single-use plastics: SB1531, sponsored by Sen. Laura Fine, seeks to prohibit the sale or distribution of food containers containing polystyrene foam; and SB1872, sponsored by Sen. Cristina Castro, aims to ban single-use plastic shopping bags at large retailers. Both bills received the votes needed to pass during the hearing and are now headed to the Senate floor for debate.
Supporters of the bills, including Jen Walling, the executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, argue that they are necessary to address the growing problem of plastic pollution in Illinois. An estimated 22 million pounds of plastic waste end up in the Great Lakes each year, and eighty-six percent of the litter collected on Great Lakes beaches is plastic. Andrea Densham, Senior Strategic Advisor for the Alliance for the Great Lakes, emphasizes that the bills will "reduce at the source some of the most harmful sources of plastic pollution," protecting Lake Michigan, drinking water sources, and public health.
Previous efforts to reduce plastic use in Illinois include Chicago's tax on plastic bags, which increased from 7 cents to 10 cents per bag in January 2025, and a 2023 state law banning foam foodware at state facilities that went into effect in January 2025. However, these initiatives have not been entirely effective, and there is a push for more comprehensive legislation to address plastic waste.
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Opposition to the ban
In 2025, Illinois took a significant step towards reducing single-use plastic waste by advancing legislation to phase out specific types of disposable plastics. This included bills targeting single-use plastic shopping bags and polystyrene foam food containers. While these measures have been praised by environmental advocates, they have also faced opposition from various groups.
One of the primary objections to the plastic bag ban in Illinois centres on the concept of home rule. The Illinois Municipal League and numerous municipalities opposed a previous version of the bill, known as Senate Bill 3442, arguing that it undermined the principle of home rule. This bill would have prevented municipalities from enacting their own recycling programs, fees, or outright bans on plastic bags, limiting their ability to address local issues. Governor Pat Quinn vetoed this bill in 2012, agreeing that it was an "assault on the principle of home rule" and hindered innovation at the local level.
The business community has also expressed concerns about the potential impact of the plastic bag ban on their operations. Some businesses worry about the financial burden of transitioning to alternative packaging options and the potential disruption to their supply chains. Large retailers, in particular, may face significant challenges in complying with the new regulations, especially if they have established practices reliant on single-use plastic bags.
Furthermore, there are concerns about the effectiveness of the ban in reducing plastic waste. Critics argue that while banning plastic bags sends a strong message, it may not adequately address the root causes of plastic pollution. They suggest that a more comprehensive approach is needed, including improved recycling infrastructure and education to promote behavioural changes among consumers. Without complementary measures, a singular focus on banning plastic bags may not achieve the desired environmental outcomes.
Lastly, there are worries about the potential inconvenience and cost implications for consumers. Single-use plastic bags have been a convenient and readily available option for shoppers, especially those who may not be able to afford reusable bags or forget to bring them. The ban could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals and families, as they may need to purchase reusable bags or pay additional fees for alternative options.
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Frequently asked questions
Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit large retailers from offering single-use plastic bags. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Cristina Castro, has passed the first critical step in the legislative process and is now headed to the Senate floor for debate.
The bill to ban plastic bags in Illinois, known as SB1872, has passed the first critical step in the legislative process and is now headed to the Senate floor for debate. The bill has been amended to delay the beginning of the single-use checkout bag prohibition from July 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028, with further changes to enforcement and penalties.
Illinois is considering banning plastic bags due to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the state, particularly in the Great Lakes. An estimated 22 million pounds of plastic waste ends up in the Great Lakes each year, and eighty-six percent of litter collected on Great Lakes beaches is plastic. Banning plastic bags is seen as a critical legislative breakthrough to protect Illinois' natural assets and public health.
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