December 1, 2007 - BRETT CLANTON The plastic bag industry is fighting back. Some cities, including Austin, that once considered plastic bag bans, like one approved by San Francisco this spring, have begun leaning toward a different option, heavily favored by plastic bag makers: recycling. Cofer has participated in meetings with city officials, environmental groups and the plastic bag industry since Austin's city council passed a resolution in April calling for a reduction in plastic bags.