Calgary city council wants to take a closer look at banning plastic bags.

Ward 8 Ald. John Mar put forward a motion Monday night, asking the city to generate a report on alternatives, which could include charging usage fees, legislating biodegradable bags or bringing in an outright ban.

He had unanimous support from council members and a report on the options will come back to council in the spring.

San Francisco and the Manitoba town of Leaf Rapids banned non-recyclable plastic bags last year. South Africa, Ireland and Taiwan have placed additional fees and taxes on the bags to discourage use. A Toronto bylaw that goes into effect June 1 will require shoppers to pay five cents for plastic bags.

Mar said 31 million plastic bags are recycled in Calgary every year, but estimated that accounts for only four per cent of the total number circulating in the city.

The Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors argues bans should be considered on a provincial basis and not city by city.