July 17 - Richmond, Campbell Adopt Bag Ordinances; Richmond Bans Polystyrene
Richmond became the first city in Contra Costa County to restrict single-use plastic bags when the City Council adopted a local bag ordinance at its meeting last night. The measure bans the distribution of plastic bags at all retail establishments, and allows retailers to sell paper or reusable bags for a small charge.
The Richmond City Council members also expanded their existing ban on polystyrene food containers. Currently, the city is covered under an ordinance prohibiting the distribution of polystyrene food containers by food service providers. The newly adopted ordinance extends the ban to the retail sale of polystyrene products, such as prepackaged plates and ice chests used for picnics.
Both ordinances go into effect on January 1, 2014.
Meanwhile, the Campbell City Council adopted an ordinance banning single-use plastic grocery bags at its meeting on Monday night. The ordinance, based on the San Mateo County model, bans the distribution of single-use plastic bags at all retailers, and allows a small charge for paper and reusable bags.
This ordinance goes into effect on January 27, 2014.
As of this week, there are now 79 communities in California covered under ordinances banning sigle use plastic bags.
Find out how to fight the proliferation of plastic bag litter and help your community adopt a local ordinance.