Fulton County commissioners on Wednesday agreed to phase-out single-use plastics like forks and straws in government buildings.

The county seeks to completely eliminate such plastic items in its buildings by the end of the year. Its list includes plastic food containers, bags, cups and cutlery.

A resolution asks companies that work with the county to look for non-plastic alternatives in the future. The proposal was forwarded to other Fulton County cities, in the hope that they would follow suit.

The resolution cites research that shows the poor environmental impact of plastics, and said they enter the county’s wastewater system, rivers and creeks, contributing to blockages which can be expensive to remove.

The county said it wants to ensure the efforts don’t conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The measure passed with a 4-0 vote.

About the Author

Featured

(Top left) Dr. Leyte Winfield with Spelman College, (middle left) hair relaxer cream, (bottom left) attorney Aigner Kolom, (middle) JoAnna Zackery, (top right) Kizzey Wilson, (middle right) hair relaxer kits, (bottom right) hair relaxer cream. (Arvin Temkar, Jason Getz, Abbey Cutter, Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Philip Robibero