Aug 22 - West Contra Costa County Studies Plastic Bag Ban

While the fate of the statewide bag bill, AB 298, remains uncertain until the end of the month, local governments continue to push forward with their own bag ordinances.

Several West Contra Costa County cities, including Hercules, El Cerrito, Pinole, Richmond, and San Pablo, may soon consider adopting plastic bag bans.

The process would be facilitated with an environmental study that has already been completed by RecycleMore, the waste management agency for those jurisdictions.

Each jurisdiction can eventually consider adopting the model ordinance individually using the RecycleMore study.

The model ordinance prohibits grocery and retail stores from distributing plastic bags. Paper bags could still be purchased for a small charge. Customers could also bring in their own bags to avoid any charges.

The public comment period for the RecycleMore study is still open and ends September 5. Two public hearings will also be held before the study is ready for consideration.

The next hearing is scheduled for August 28 at 5:30 pm in the Richmond City Hall Council Chambers (440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA).

If you haven't written to your State Senator yet to urge their support of AB 298, take a few minutes and write to them today.

Read an article and see the RecycleMore study here.