Evanston's Phase-Out Of Plastic Bags Begins Soon

(CBS) -- Soon, it will be rarer to hear that question "Paper or plastic?" in Evanston.

A city ban on plastic bags begins Aug. 1. Larger stores won't be able to give out free plastic bags anymore at point of sale.

City spokeswoman Catherine Hurley says there will be free reusable bags in community centers and libraries around the city.

She says officials hope everyone will use those and recycle all plastic.

The city will take that plastic and send it off to be turned into outdoor lumber and decking material. That plastic can be dropped off at several sites around Evanston.

Smaller retailers will still be able to distribute plastic bags, and customers can bring plastic bags with them when they go shopping.

For details, go to the city of Evanston's website.