A proposed tax on plastic bags may not be the best strategy for the environment, says a GVRD staff report.

B.C. civic leaders will vote this fall on a proposal to impose a so-called PlasTax” similar to one in Ireland, where the 15-cent levy cut plastic bag use by 90 per cent.

But a report to the GVRD says it may lead consumers to buy more thick plastic garbage liners and bags, resulting in a net increase in plastic consumption.

“It could shift consumption to paper bags, which are made from virgin fibre and use more energy than plastic bags to manufacture and transport,” the report says.

It also warns a tax would be expensive to administer and the money could end up getting sucked away into general revenues rather than a designated environmental fund – as the Irish set up.

The objections mirror many of the points raised by plastic industry lobbyists who oppose the tax.

The GVRD report instead suggests asking B.C.’s environment minister to consider a deposit-refund system for all paper and plastic single-use shopping bags.

It would follow on the existing trend of what’s known as extended producer responsibility and began with beverage containers.

The system is now being expanded to take in electronic waste by next summer.

The GVRD report notes a move into bags could also be the model for further deposit-refund systems covering waste like disposable cups and fast food containers.

The GVRD board will decide what stance to take on the PlasTax proposal later this month.

Each year, GVRD residents and businesses dispose of about 11,000 tonnes of plastic shopping bags – or five kilograms per person – plus another 13,000 tonnes of garbage bags.