DATE: May 9, 2016
TO: Council Sustainability Committee
FROM: Director of Utilities and Environmental Services
SUBJECT
Title
Reusable Bag Ordinance Expansion - Review Draft Ordinance
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Committee reviews this report and provides a recommendation to the full Council with any comments on the draft ordinance and a City policy position.
Body
BACKGROUND
The Reusable Bag Ordinance adopted by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority in 2012 (Ordinance 2012-2) went into effect in January 2013 and applies to approximately 1,300 grocery, drug and liquor stores in Alameda County that traditionally distribute a high volume of single-use bags. The ordinance promotes the use of reusable bags to prevent waste from happening in the first place, as well as reducing litter and keeping plastic bags out of local waterways. For more information on the Reusable Bag Ordinance, please review the Council Report on the Reusable Bag Ordinance.
Ordinance Requirements
As of January 1, 2013, affected stores can only distribute compliant reusable bags or bags made of recycled content paper and only if the store charges a minimum price of ten cents per bag, itemized on the receipt.
Ordinance Effectiveness
Since implementation, the reusable bag ordinance has had dramatic results:
* Overall bag purchases by affected Alameda County retail stores have declined by 85%.
* The number of shoppers bringing a reusable bag, or not using a bag at all, has more than doubled.
* A 44% decrease in plastic bags found in Alameda County storm drains.
* Stores are participating with a compliance rate of 90%.
Ordinance Expansion
Given the effectiveness of the current ordinance, the Waste Management Authority (WMA) Board directed staff to plan for an expansion of the reusable bag ordinance to include all retail stores and restaurants. The WMA is expected to vote on an amended ordinance in September 2016. The ...
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