Another California Bag Ban

Yet another California town has unanimously agreed to ban the use of thin-film plastic bags at supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, and all businesses operating within city limits starting on February 1 in 2014.

The Arcata City Council, which primarily represents the population affiliated with Humbolt State University, and is comprised of a majority of elected members representing the Green Party, said that unlike other plastic ban bags this decision also applies to small businesses or those owning stores with less that ten thousand square feet. Business may offer customers paper bags for a fee of ten cents a piece with the business keeping the profit.

However, restaurants and food establishments are not a part of the plastic bag ban, at least not initially, as municipalities await the resolution of a state-wide lawsuit over San Francisco’s recent decision to prohibit the use of plastic bags for take-away food in restaurants.

Additionally, thin film bags used for meat, produce, bulk foods, and prescription drugs also are still exempt from the ruling.

City officials have said that the goal of the plastic bag ban is to promote reusable bags as a way to reduce trash, little and disposal costs.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: Plastic bag bans are sweeping across the nation and while each municipality may choose different implementation schedules and exclusions, one thing is clear: they are becoming widespread and popular. If your business relies on plastic bags, be proactive and start looking into alternate solutions. Better to play offense and be ahead of your competition than on the defensive when your city or town votes to enact one!