October 2009
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project is a Proposed Ordinance which would reduce the use of single use plastic checkout bags (plastic bags) and paper checkout bags (paper bags) in Berkeley, thereby reducing the number of them that are manufactured, and the number that are released to the natural environment or disposed of in landfill. Plastic bags include compostable plastic bags. The Ordinance would prohibit retail product stores from making plastic bags available at checkout stands, and would require them to charge a fee of 25 cents on each paper checkout bag. Paper checkout bags would be required to have minimum post consumer recycled content.
This ordinance applies to bags provided at the checkout counter. It does not apply to plastic or paper bags used within the store to contain produce, bulk or meat products, Product packaging on the shelf is not affected. Purchases made with food stamps, WIC, and other such government-provided programs would be exempt from the fee on paper bags. Plastic bags may continue to be used for take-out of prepared food.
This ordinance establishes a ban rather than a fee on plastic carryout bags, because current California state law prohibits local jurisdictions from placing a fee on plastic bags.
The project would be implemented in two phases: The first phase would be effective six months from the date of adoption, and apply to supermarkets and large pharmacies, as defined in the Public Resources Code. The second phase would be effective twelve months from the date of adoption, and would apply to all retail stores, as defined in the City's zoning ordinance.
The City of Berkeley is proposing an ordinance to reduce the environmental impacts of single use plastic and paper shopping bags by encouraging shoppers to use reusable bags.
A letter to merchants regarding the proposed ordinance is available here .
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) the City prepared an Initial Study to review possible environmental impacts of the proposed ordinance, and proposes a finding that there are no negative impacts.
The thirty-day comment period on the Negative Declaration will begin October 2, 2009 through November 2, 2009. Compiled comments and responses will be published on this web site at the close of the comment period.
The City also welcomes constructive comments on the draft bag reduction ordinance, during and beyond the 30 days.
PUBLIC COMMENT PROCEDURES
- Send comments in writing to
City of Berkeley, Department of Public Works
Attention: Andy Schneider, Recycling Program Manager
1201 Second Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
- Send comments by email to ASchneider@cityofberkeley.info with"plastic bag ordinance" in the subject line.
- Comment in person at a Public Hearing, to be held October 19, 2009 at 7 pm, at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Avenue.
All comments must include the sender's name and address.
City staff is available to attend neighborhood, community, and merchants' meetings in Berkeley to discuss the proposed ordinance.
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