May 9 - Watsonville is 46th Local Jurisdiction to Ban Bags in CA
Yesterday evening the Watsonville City Council formally adopted its plastic bag ban. The total number of CA cities and counties covered by bag ordinances is now 46.
Watsonville is the first city in Santa Cruz County to take this action against plastic bag pollution. Last year, Santa Cruz County adopted an ordinance for its unincorporated areas.
The ordinance bans plastic bags while allowing paper bags for a charge. It goes into effect in three months in all retail stores. The paper bag charge is set for 10 cents each during the first year, and changes to 25 cents thereafter.
While a statewide bill on plastic bags has yet to pass the legislature, it's great to see the momentum and leadership on this issue at the local level. Congratulations, Watsonville!
See what other bag bans are being considered and take action.
This evening, the Solana Beach City Council is scheduled to adopt its own bag ordinance and become the first city in San Diego County to do so. Stay tuned for more bag ban updates.