Jan 25 – CA: 39 Cities and Counties Have Local Bag Bans

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The official count for Californian cities and counties with a single-use bag ordinance is now 39. See the full list of local Californian bag ordinances.

This afternoon, Alameda County Waste Management Authority (StopWaste.org) adopted its single-use bag ordinance, which will be implemented in unincorporated Alameda County as well as its 14 incorporated cities: Alameda City, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, and Union City.

Local jurisdictions could also choose to adopt a stronger ordinance (to cover more stores, etc.) using the StopWaste.org Environmental Impact Report. The City of Berkeley will discuss this option on January 31. Read more about the Berkeley bag ordinance.

The StopWaste.org ordinance goes into effect on January 1, 2013 and bans single-use plastic bags while allowing the sale of single-use paper and reusable bags for a minimum price of 10 cents each. The price could potentially increase in 2015 if found ineffective in creating behavioral change.

Yesterday evening, the Millbrae City Council also unanimously moved forward with its single-use bag ordinance. Plastic carryout bags would not be distributed by retailers within the city, although the sale of paper carryout bags and reusable bags would still be allowed. According to the San Mateo County Daily Journal, the ordinance would go into effect on September 1, 2012 if approved after a second reading.

For a list of local bag ordinances in the country, or more information on plastic bag pollution, visit our website. Join our listserve for updates on plastic pollution, or support our work on this issue and make a donation today.