No More Plastic Bags at Outback? Jenkintown Borough Passes Strict New Single-Use Plastic Ordinance

JENKINTOWN, PA — If you’re planning on picking up a Bloomin' Onion to-go from the Outback Steakhouse in Jenkintown, you’ll soon need to bring your own bag. The Jenkintown Borough Council, in a significant move toward environmental sustainability, has officially passed Ordinance No. 2026-2, which places a strict ban on single-use plastic bags and straws throughout the borough.

The new regulations are set to take effect on July 23, 2026, joining a growing list of Montgomery County communities—including Abington and Cheltenham—that have moved to eliminate plastic waste.

The New Rules of the Road

Under the new ordinance, retail establishments—including major chains like Outback Steakhouse and local boutiques—will no longer be permitted to provide single-use plastic bags at the point of sale. Instead, the borough is shifting toward a “BYOB” (Bring Your Own Bag) culture.

Here is what customers and businesses need to know:

The 10-Cent Fee: If you forget your reusable bag, businesses may provide a recycled paper bag or a reusable bag for a minimum fee of $0.10 per bag.
Who Keeps the Fee? Unlike a tax, the proceeds from these bag fees are retained by the business to help offset the higher cost of paper and reusable alternatives.
Exemptions: Residents using SNAP, WIC, or TANF benefits are exempt from the bag fee. Additionally, certain “exempted bags” (such as those used for raw meat, loose produce, or prescription medications) are still permitted.
Straws and Stirrers: Businesses will transition to compostable straws and stirrers by default. Single-use plastic straws will only be available upon specific customer request.

Signage and Compliance

While the ban doesn't officially start until July, residents will start seeing changes immediately. As of April 22, 2026, all Jenkintown businesses are required to display official signage informing customers of the upcoming shift.

“This is about protecting our local waterways and reducing the litter that ends up in our trees and sewers,” said a spokesperson for the Jenkintown Environmental Advisory Committee. “It’s a small change in habit that leads to a massive reduction in our local carbon footprint.”

Hardship Waivers for Local Businesses

The Borough is offering some flexibility for businesses that may have recently invested in a large inventory of plastic bags. Owners can apply for a hardship exemption of up to one year to use up their existing stock before fully transitioning to the new standards. Initial non-compliance will be met with a written notice of violation rather than immediate fines, as the borough looks to educate rather than penalize.

A Growing Trend in Montco

Jenkintown’s move follows a wave of similar legislation across the region. With Philadelphia and many surrounding townships already under plastic bans, the “patchwork” of regulations is slowly becoming a unified regional standard.

For local Outback fans and shoppers, the message is clear: it’s time to stock up on those reusable totes. Whether you're grabbing a steak or a sweater, the era of the “free” plastic bag in Jenkintown is officially coming to an end.