Mar 5 - Walnut Creek Passes First Vote on Bag Ordinance

Walnut Creek is set to join Richmond, El Cerrito, Pittsburg, and San Pablo as the 5th city in Contra Costa County to enact a plastic bag ban. Yesterday the city council voted to pass the first reading of the ordinance. The second and final reading is set on March 18th and the ordinance will first go into effect 6 months after adoption.

The proposed ordinance bans the use of plastic bags from all retail establishments and restaurants, and requires retail stores to charge for recycled paper bags and reusable bags. Restaurants will also no longer be allowed to give out single-use plastic bags but can distribute paper or reusable bags for no charge.

If adopted, Walnut Creek’s ordinance will bring the number of cities and counties in California with a plastic bag ban to 101. See the full list.

Find out more about the state bag ban SB 270.